Post Courier, Tuesday March 31, 2015

Fence ultimatum

Residents given until Friday to remove fences

BY LAMECH JINIMBO

TWO women walk past a fenced property in Port Moresby. Residents have until Friday to have such fences removed or face fines from city hall. Picture: KENNEDY BANI

Shortage of BCG vaccine is unacceptable

ITIS preposterous that Papua New Guinea’s largest public health institution Port Moresby General Hospital has run out of a vaccine that will protect newly born babies from the deadly tentacles of tuberculosis (TB). Our story on the non-availability of the vaccine Bacillus Calmette-Geurin (BCG) in our public hospitals nationwide in today’s edition of the Post-Courier is totally unacceptable and should have been avoided at all cost. It is tragic that the PMGH has run out of supplies, just two months after the Government identified the Western, Gulf, Central and the NCD provinces as TB hotspots that warrant immediate intervention.

Information provided by health workers to this newspaper confirm that the vaccine has run out of the NCD, putting at risk the lives of hundreds of infants who are born to mothers who cannot afford getting vaccinated at private hospitals. The BCG vaccine initially ran out at the PMGH and then the urban clinics in the different suburbs around Port Moresby, which serve the residents in those localities.

“We get our supply from NCD Health Services store at Six-Mile but we don’t have any more. We ran out since January this year so we tell mothers to go to the private hospitals, but those who can’t afford the private fees, they keep coming back to check. It’s for their own good that they have their babies immunised to boost their babies’ immune system,’’ said a nurse who works at a well-baby clinic in Port Moresby.

It is unacceptable that vaccine stock at the PMGH were depleted by January this year. Surely the hospital and the National Department of Health (NDOH) has officers monitoring the availability of essential drugs including BCG, who would swing into action to reorder when stocks are down. NDOH deputy secretary, Dr Paison Dakulala, has blamed the lengthy Central Supply and Tenders Board (CSTB) processing time and said drugs were processed quicker when supplies were procured through the Pharmacy Tenders Board. Nevertheless the vaccine supply is expected in Port Moresby on April 6-8.

We appreciate the challenges that the PMGH management continues to face and strives to overcome in its bid to provide better healthcare to ordinary Papua New Guineans. But the four-month gap between the shortage of the BCG and the arrival of the new stock has left hundreds of babies vulnerable to the threat of contracting TB. Dr Dakulala has indicated that the NDOH is working on streamlining the order process to ensure quick and easy access to the drug in all public health institutions including the PMGH. We applaud the doctor for addressing bureaucratic red tape – it will save lives.

The high cost of child vaccination charged by some private hospitals, especially for drugs that are as important as the BCG, should also be investigated. Why should Papua New Guineans pay different prices for the same product? It is time authorities legislate to force private healthcare providers to drop their charges for essential medicine that can save lives and is critical to the successful implementation of Government policy.

How to contact us

EDITOR Alexander Rheeney Ph: 309 1021

Email:rheeneya@spp.com.pg

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Paula Speakman

Ph: 309 1044

Email: pspeakman@spp.com.pg

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Bala Babaga

Ph: 309 1013 Fax: 321 3284

Email: bbabaga@spp.com.pg

DELIVERY INQUIRIES

Ph: 309 1102

Email: bbabaga@spp.com.pg

REGIONAL OFFICES

Lae: Franco Nebas

Ph/fax: 472 4683

Email: fnebas@spp.com.pg

Kokopo: Grace Tiden

Ph: 982 9186

Fax: 982 9147

Email: gracetiden@gmail.com

Mt Hagen: Johnny Poiya.

Ph: 542 2602 Fax: 542 3039

Email: posthagen.spp@global. net.pg

Buka: David Lornie

Ph: 973 9188

Fax: 973 9170

Email: postbuka@gmail.com

JOIN US ONLINE

www.postcourier.com.pg

NEWS TIP?

Ph 309 1021 or email editorial@postcourier.com.pg

Haiveta sheds light on Gulf supplies saga

BY DONALD WILLIE and LEONNIE WAYANG

ONE-TIME Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta has shed more light on the demise of the Gulf Provincial Government’s venture into the shipping industry.

Speaking in light of the aborted mercy dash of relief supplies for flood-hit areas of inland Kerema last September, Mr Haiveta said under his leadership the Gulf government had successfully operated fishing and as cargo vessels, including the detained MV Burai

The Burai, a landing craft, had been chartered from Mundi No.1 Ltd for K300,000 to ferry disaster relief supplies to Kerema. The other

shipper, West Coast Shipping Service, which maritime safety watchdog National Maritime Safety Authority has no record of, was paid K790,000 for the supplies which are going bad and had been stolen at a jetty at Tubusereia, east of Port Moresby.

Mr Haiveta said yesterday that Burai had been owned by the Gulf Provincial

Government. However, Mundi No.1 principal Samson Jubi said under a signed agreement, his company was only managing and providing crew for Burai, which was still owned by the Gulf government.

Kerema MP Richard Mendani also had a say, asking why a valuable government asset had been sold. He also wanted to know why more than K1 million had been spent on unseaworthy vessels when the relief supplies could have been delivered by road to Kerema for less than K100,000.

Mr Haiveta confirmed that four vessels, including Burai, had been bought by the provincial government.

The others were a cargo

ship and two fishing boats which were successfully managed by the provincial government’s revenue-generating arm, Southern Star Ltd.

“It is a classic case of mismanagement as I don’t know what has happened to all these assets,” Mr Haiveta said.

The Post-Courier was not able to get further comments from Mr Jubi, who is believed to be overseas.

It is understood that Gulf provincial administrator Marc Avai will travel to Port Moresby to take ownership of the eight containers of relief supplies still stranded at Tubusereia village east of Port Moresby.

City hall gives residents fencing ultimatum

FROM PAGE 1

AMONG those who had been served notices are residents in Gordon, Erima, FiveMile, Boroko, Bisini Parade, Three-Mile, Taurama Road, Waigani, Hohola, Two-Mile, Badili, Kilakila, Sabama, Korobosea, Konedobu and downtown Port Moresby.

NCD deputy city man-

ager regulatory services Kenneth Atasoa said enough time had been given by the NCDC and defiant owners must comply.

“If your fencing was constructed prior to 2006 you will not be required to replace it and NCDC will not pay for the replacement of your fence if you have not received an approval from

NCDC before building your fence,” he said.

“This is the capital city and we need to lead by example.

“The policy was approved by the Physical Planning Board in 2006 and with the upcoming international events taking place the policy is being fully enforced now.”

This exercise is crucial as Port Moresby prepares to host the XV South Pacific Games in July, he said.

The fencing policy is based on the requirements of the physical planning and building legislation of Papua New Guinea and as failure to replace the fencing before the given time will result in fines.

two-thirds of ship crews in the world have no means of communication while they are on the open sea.

The MV Burai had been owned by the Gulf provincial govt

CHRIS HAIVETA

Port Moresby

Momis, Nisira keen for second term in office

AUTONOMOUS Bougainville Government President John Momis nominated yesterday in Buka as he prepares to run again for the ABG Presidency.

The President and his running mate, Member for Halia constituency and Vice President, Patrick Nisira, received overwhelming support from Bougainvilleans as they lodged their nominations to contest the ABG General Elections under the New Bougainville Party.

After their nominations, President Momis addressed the witnessing crowd and pledged to do more for the people of Bougainville.

President Momis reminded those present of what the Momis/Nisira led government had done for

The bottom line

the drum

YOU READY?

AN earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Rabaul yesterday. You have to wonder if our friends at the National Disaster and Emergency Services were ready.

THE USUAL

RABAUL and Kokopo folk appeared shaken but not moved by the tremor. It’s just the usual with goods falling off the shelves and all that, said one Kokopo resident.

RESTRUCTURE IS EVERYTHING okay at the Department of Treasury?

A recent “restructure” has seen senior officers made unattached. Not sure if it’s a good idea in the current uncertain economic climate.

AROB ON AIR

RADIO is king in PNG and will continue to be for some time yet. Reports on NBC Radio Bougainville going on air later this week after a 24-year absence is a bonus for the region.

PRESIDENT HOPEFULLY the radio’s commissioning will bring with it luck for Bougainville’s one-time queen of the airwaves, Francesca

Semoso. She is running for president in the 2015 ABG election.

BIG BOYS

THE incumbent John Momis nominated yesterday vying for a second term. Ms Semoso appeared unfazed rubbing shoulders with heavies, posting on Facebook that she is “taking it head on!”

PEACE

VILLAGERS respect peace officers. They settle disputes and are at the forefront of maintaining law and order. But not for one who holds this revered position in Kikori, Gulf Province.

THREATS

THE Kikori peace officer is at the forefront of many un-peaceful activities! He threatened two female NGO workers with a bush knife and demanded CDI Foundation pay him immediately!

LOCK HIM

IT APPEARS he wants payment for making drum ovens for village mothers. The un-peaceful peace officer should be locked up immediately for threatening the two female NGO workers.

At a glance

LAUNCH: President Momis launched the campaign for New Bougainville Party for the 2015 Autonomous Bougainville Government General Elections.

NISIRA: The peace and stability that we enjoy today has been the hard work of this government.

Bougainville, including high impact projects that were carried out by ABG in conjunction with the national Government.

President Momis also launched the campaign for New Bougainville Party for the 2015 Autonomous Bougainville Government General Elections.

Mr Nisira told those at

the Bougainville Electoral Commission that the Momis/Nisira government has offered a very stable leadership in the last five years.

He said Bougainvilleans must understand what the government had done for the people in terms of peace and stability in Bougainville.

“The peace and stability that we enjoy today has been the hard work of this government, who has offered stable and decisive leadership to ensure Bougainvilleans are not marginalised,” Mr Nisira said.

He told the people of Bougainville to support President Momis in his last term, as the Bougainville Constitution only allows

for two terms in its Presidency.

“I urge you all to give our Chief a proper send off and to let him lead us to our ultimate political destiny,” Mr Nisira said.

“This election may be the final one for a man regarded as the father of the Papua New Guinea Constitution and decentralisation in PNG with a 40 year distinguished political career in the highest echelons of PNG politics since independence.”

With the Autonomous Bougainville Government moving the region toward self-determination, Mr Momis has made a lot of progress for Bougainville to achieve the political future desired and needed by the people.

About 80 per cent of tsunamis happen within the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire”

JACK’S of PNG has an 800-square-meter area and will feature a mix of apparel merchandise as well as sales of corporate uniforms. Definitely more power to the city shopper!

PENGEE: thedrum@spp.com.pg

PRESIDENT Momis (pictured) and Vice President Patrick Nisira received overwhelming support from Bougainvilleans as they lodged their nominations to contest the ABG General Elections under the New Bougainville Party.

Baby TB vaccine runs out in clinics

BY MAUREEN GERAWA

VACCINE Bacillus

Calmette-Guerin, or BCG

as it is commonly called, is usually given to babies at birth to protect them from tuberculosis, but this vital vaccine is currently not available in the country.

The Post-Courier was alerted about the shortage through social media by a woman who gave birth at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), the country’s largest hospital.

The hospital told her it did not have this vaccine to give to her baby and had asked if she could go to a private hospital which she did and paid K50 for the BCG jab for her baby.

Port Moresby General Hospital chief executive officer Grant Muddle and his communications officer Matt McCarthy had been contacted by email at the weekend for comments.

Mr Grant did not respond, but Mr McCarthy had said he would get facts and respond, but did not by late yesterday afternoon.

Health workers at an urban clinic in the city, who refused to be named, confirmed that there were no more BCG vaccines available in the city.

They said the Port Moresby General Hospital had run out of BCG vaccine earlier than the urban clinics so women giving birth at the hospital were going to the clinics to have their babies immunised against TB, but the clinics had also run out.

“We get our supply from

The bottom line

Upgrade urban clinics to prevent TB

BY MAUREEN GERAWA MANAGERS

of each health facility have to come up with innovative ideas to ensure tuberculosis (TB) is not spread easily in the facilities.

Deputy Health Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala said this when responding to comments from a group of health workers that the government-run urban clinics in Port Moresby are not suitably built to prevent the spread of the growing TB epidemic.

At a glance

SHORTAGE: The country has run out of Vaccine Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or BCG as commonly called which is given to babies at birth.

REASON: The problem occurred due to a lengthy process that was required to get the vaccines.

NCD Health Services store at Six-Mile but we do not have any more,” said a nurse working at a well-baby clinic.

“We ran out since January this year so we tell mothers to go to the private hospitals, but those who can not afford the private fees, they kept coming back to check.

“It is for their own good that they have their babies immunised to boost their immune system.”

Deputy Health Secretary Dr Paison Dakulala confirmed that there were no BCG vaccines and indicated that the country had run out of stock of BCG vaccines four months ago.

He said the problem occurred due to a lengthy process that was required to get the vaccines, including going through the Central Supply and Tenders Board, unlike in the past when medical supplies were procured through the Pharmacy Tenders Board.

Dr Dakulala said the issue has been addressed and a normal supply is now expected to arrive between April 6 to 8.

SEEN here some women, (widows in black with bilums or barks on head) from HereboBarutage ward in Kutubu LLG, Southern Highlands Province showing the K100 note they were given to start their own little income generating activities.

Widows need assistance

BY LEONNIE WAYANG

A WOMAN leader has appealed for assistance to set up income generating projects and training for widows and deserted wives who are left with little to fend for themselves and their children.

Anne Hevago Hasigi, president of the NipaKutubu Council of Women in Southern Highlands Province, said in their culture, a woman faces a difficult prospect after her husband dies as she

Culture indirectly violates the rights of women and widows

ANNE HEVAGO HASIGI Nipa-Kutubu

is seen as having no significance to her husband’s clan.

“Culture indirectly violates the rights of women, especially widows or wives who are deserted by their

husbands with their children because in the case where the husband dies, his relatives take over the deceased’s properties.

“The way culture works a woman has no say in her husband’s clan or society because she is from another village, clan or tribe,” Mrs Hasigi said.

Mrs Hasigi who is also the President of Kutubu LLG council of women said widows and deserted wives with their children suffer because the accepted cultural norms.

Vaccine Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is usually given to babies at birth to protect them from tuberculosis.

He said at the National TB Task force meeting that these issues are talked about and are gradually being communicated to key people in the three current hot spot areas for TB which are National Capital District (NCD), Gulf and Western province.

These includes getting the communities to deal with it such as setting up treatment posts where TB patients can go to get medicine and food which will be given with the medicine.

Mr Dakulala said the measures for protection also include the health workers getting to know the infection standards.

“This includes wearing masks when attending to TB patients and standing three yards away from the patients,” he said.

The health workers commenting on the urban clinics, said, the clinics should have separate rooms for TB patients.

“We have all patients cramped in one room and health workers also need protection as they have families they go home to everyday,” they said.

At almost all urban clinics run by NCD Health Services, patients are seen in one room and are told to sit together while their numbers are being called to be seen and receive treatment.

They sit so close that without realising, TB, an airborne disease can easily spread from one person to another.

Guards to get new uniforms

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force ceremonial guards will soon came into play as the Events Council presented a cheque of K348,583.40.14 to process new uniforms last week.

The cheque was presented by Edward Palmann on behalf of the executive director for National Events Secretariat

Gideon Oli.The event took place at the chief of staff’s office at Murray Barracks headquarters.

Acting PNGDF Colonel Ray Numa received the cheque, thanking Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the Events Council for the gesture.

Col Numa said the ceremonial guards were a new directorate that comes under the office of the Chief of Staff. Their primary role is to provide ceremonial guards for the state and the PNGDF.

Court orders by-election

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

THE people of West Sepik (Sandaun) Province will cast votes again for a governor to represent them in Parliament.

This follows the Supreme Court’s decision yesterday to uphold a National Court decision that Amkat Mai’s win in the 2012 election was null and void.

This means the National Court judge did not make any mistake in the decision

presents report

THE Ombudsman Commission has presented Speaker of Parliament Theo Zurenuoc its final report on an investigation conducted into the Lands and Physical Planning Department.

Mr Zurenuoc is required by law to present the report within eight sitting days of parliament.

The report focused on establishing whether the administrative systems, processes and procedures and the legislation governing the work of the department were followed when it issued a State lease at Morata, Moresby Northwest, in the National Capital District.

The Commission had made several recommendations in the report. It said in a statement that it was the discretion of the recipients of the report or those overseeing the functions of the Lands and Physical Planning Department to implement the recommendations.

Clerk to fight referral

At a glance

COURT: The Supreme courts decision to uphold a National Court decision that West Sepik Governor Amkat Mai’s win in the 2012 elections was null and void. the Supreme court ruling meant that petitioners, also former governors Simon Solo and John Tekwie had successfully disputed Mai’s win.

ELECTION: The Electoral Commission is expected to conduct a by election as soon as possible for West Sepik people.

as was claimed by Mr Mai when seeking the review. The Supreme Court said

Mr Mai had no grounds to ask for the review of that decision as there were no

flaws found. The Supreme Court ruling meant that petitioners, also former governors Simon Solo and John Tekwie had successfully disputed Mai’s win.

It also ordered the Electoral Commission to conduct the by-election as soon as possible.

Outside court Mr Mai told supporters that the ruling had been delivered but it did not mean all was lost.

He said the people would vote again and would see

who would represent them in Parliament and called for calm. Meanwhile, Simon Solo’s supporters also thanked the court for the decisions and said they would now return home to vote again. They said whoever won would still be the leader of West Sepik people and there was no need for grudges and hard feelings.

Attempts to get the commission to tell when the byelection would be conducted were unsuccessful.

Injia: Oldest criminal case dates back to 1983

THE oldest criminal case still pending in the National Court dates back to 1983, according to Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia. He did not give the details

The bottom line

of the case but said it had to do with a bench warrant obtained for an accused who had failed to turn up in court then.

The bench warrant which

is an arrest order from the court had never been executed up until now.

Sir Salamo mentioned this last week while highlighting the reason why there was

a need for law and justice agencies to work in partnership. He said when agencies worked together, delivery of justice would be effective.

It was also pointed out that the police and the courts should cooperate more in following up on matters, especially criminal cases that went before the courts.

NATIONAL Parliament Clerk Vele Konivaro says he will fight his referral to the Public Prosecutor that resulted in him now to face the leadership tribunal.

Konivaro claimed the Ombudsman Commission was not involved in any investigation as was done for other leader’s cases and instead he was referred by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill through a letter sent to the Public Prosecutor.

Konivaro claimed that the letter by Mr O’Neill was written in his capacity as the Prime Minister and not as the chairman of the National Executive Council, which he said was quite improper.

It is understood that though Mr Konivaro’s name was listed for leadership tribunal hearing yesterday. There would be submissions made first before the tribunal members.

The Post-Courier has been the heartbeat of PNG since 1969. The Post-Courier has been the heartbeat of PNG since 1969.

first president of Zimbabwe was named President Banana

EDWARD Palman from the National Events Council presenting the cheque to acting PNGDF Commander Colonel Ray Numa last week at Murray Barracks.

Lae city lack police manpower, housing

THREE-quarters of Lae – Papua New Guinea’s second biggest city – are not covered by police at night, Lae Metropolitan Command acting head Chief Inspector Timothy Pomoso says.

This is because the city’s nine suburban police stations only work day shift –that is, until 4.06 pm when the stations close.

Chief Insp Pomoso said the total 300 police personnel were responsible for the 100,000 residents of PNG’s industrial hub.

He said the main incapacity was that the Lae Metropolitan Command, comprising the central office and the nine suburban police stations, simply could not manage the city on a 24-hour basis.

“Only the Lae police station operates on a 24-hour basis,” Chief Insp Pomoso said, the suburban stations only operate during the day, not in the night.

He said again the problem of housing remained pressing with most officers accommodated at the Bumbu barracks and working the suburban stations.

Chief Insp Pomoso said he would prefer accommodation within the vicinity of the nine suburban stations to encourage more manpower recruitment, therefore extending police shifts into the night as well.

He added that the grim reality was that only almost three-quarters of the Lae command was not covered in the night by police.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Momase region Nema Mondiai had indicated that accommodation was being addressed under the Police Modernisation Program.

Airline: Report not true

ALLEGATIONS of sexual harassment by a former airline worker have been described as false and misleading.

Management of Travel Air Limited, former employer of Cheryl Perocco, who made the claims at the weekend, said yesterday she had been sacked purely on her performance.

Travel Air said it decided this month to terminate her employment as a customer services officer.

It told her in a March 3 letter that the grounds of her release were poor attendance; poor punctuality and unsatisfactory customer services performance.

Miner, LO group aid Porgera police

PORGERA police based at the Paiam police station now have more telephones to enhance communication in their day-to-day operations.

In February this year, the station took delivery of two wireless telephones courtesy of the landowner company Ipili Porgera Investment (IPI), presented by the IPI group of companies chairman Jolson Kutato.

The donation was

arranged through the Barrick Gold Corporation subsidiary Barrick (Niugini) Limited-initiated Restoring Justice Initiative Association (RJIA) Inc. PNG, where IPI is a member of the RJIA Business Interest Group (BIG).

BIG chairman Nickson Pakea thanked IPI group of companies for the continued support to fight crime in Porgera valley.

“On behalf of the RJIA Business Interest Group, I

would like to thank the IPI group of companies. We are all in partnership to fight crime and address law and order issues in Porgera”, he said.

Porgera police senior sergeant Elias Raimbuse said telephone communication was a 24 hour – seven days a week service and would be closely monitored by his officers and also ensure his officers attended to law and order complaints from the public.

The airline said Ms Perocco was recruited for the Alotau office in October last year and had requested to move to Port Moresby because she would have no issues with accommodation.

“The management approved her request and she worked at the Jackson Airport Travel Air office as a customer services officer (CSO),” the airline said.

“There was also no training promised for her. Instead, as a trainee, she was required to undergo training under the supervision of experienced staff to gain the required knowledge of a CSO.

“In fact as a trainee, she had to undergo her work under supervision as part of her employment require-

ment. She was not promised training and transferred to Port Moresby.”

The expatriate manager, who Ms Perocco had complained against, was currently on approved leave back at his home and he would resume duties next month.

“The allegations against him on sexual harassment are false and misleading. Our expatriate officer confirmed he had no knowledge of making sexual connotations to her,” the airline company said.

“He has further confirmed that, at no time, he tried to book a hotel room for the two of them. Cheryl was free to talk to any staff in the office; male or female. So, all these allegations are false and misleading.”

Travel Air said in a statement the expatriate and employer would be filing a complaint with the police to investigate Ms Perocco over her previous employment with a government agency in Alotau and the circumstances surrounding her sacking there.

Vaki demands detainees walk-out explanation

COMMISSIONER of Police Geoffrey Vaki (pictured right) has demanded an explanation from the NCDCentral Command for the mass break-out at the Boroko police station last week.

More than 30 sus-

pects and remandees escaped from police custody at the Boroko Police Station cells after threatening a lone policeman on guard with a sharp object.

Commissioner Vaki is putting his foot down and has demanded a

full explanation from Commander NCDCentral Jerry Frank and Metsup NCD Andy Bawa.

“This is totally unacceptable. I am not happy with the breakout and will make sure that if it is administra-

tive incompetence or lack of supervision and command and control, heads will roll from the Commander down to the Metsup, the Police Station Commander and those who were supposed to be on duty,” Mr Vaki said.

WE wish to advice our valued Mobile SMS headline subscribers that this service was temporarily interupted by internet problems due to bad weather conditions.

However this has been fixed and you will be getting real PNG updates straight to your phone.

The Post-Courier sincerlely apologises for any inconveniences caused

MR KUTATO (front left) hands one of the telephones to Snr Sgt Raimbuse as Mr Pakea holds onto the other telephone. Looking on are Steve (from back left) and Ms Sap, a police officer.

The allegations are against him are false and misleading ...

TRAVEL AIR Port Moresby

Dental team treat Barrick staff

BARRICK Gold Corporation

subsidiary Barrick (Niugini)

Limited Mine Medical Centre

(MMC) is the first venue for a dental clinic to visit for two days in February this year through the rural health outreach program under the Enga Provincial Health Authority.

The authority is the custodian of all the provincial health facilities including the Wabag General Hospital, following an agreement signed in 2014.

Dental officer Dr Patricia Pokam and her team, which included dental therapist Lespina Yop and dental orderly Frank Seiko, attended to a total of 116 Barrick employees at Porgera.

The two main oral health issues affecting the mine’s employees were tooth decay and gum problems.

“Nearly all the patients we saw so far nearly 100, most of them have gum problems,” said Mrs Pokam. DR Pokam attending to Barrick employee during the visit to the Porgera Gold Mine

Kidney dialysis centre treats five patients

FIVE patients are currently on hemodialysis – the most common method to treat kidney failure – at the dialysis centre of the Port Moresby General Hospital.

They started their treatment since the formation of the PNG Kidney Foundation, says foundation chairman Martin Poh.

The five use the two dialysis machines at the centre which are managed by an

experienced dialysis manager and two dialysis nurses.

Hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat advanced and permanent kidney failure.

Last year there were eight patients.

At a fundraising drive in Port Moresby during the weekend, Mr Poh gave a progressive report on the dialysis centre, saying its operations were supervised

by physician Dr Steven Bogosia.

Dr Bogosia underwent a six-week training course on dialysis patient management at a renal centre in Malaysia last year.

“The commencement of target dialysis date has been slightly delayed. This is due to the problem of creation of arterio-venous fistula on our patients. This is a surgery where a procedure is

performed on the forearm so that a channel is created for withdrawal of blood during dialysis,” Mr Poh said. He said it was expensive to travel overseas to have surgery done. To travel to Singapore for such a surgery would cost the patient at least US$15,000 (K50,000) for return flight for two, accommodation and hospital admission, dialysis and surgical fees.

Foundation needs to expand, says chairman

BY NELLIE SETEPANO

THE PNG Kidney Foundation needs to expand to cater for more patients due to its increasing number of renal failure patients, says chairman of the foundation Martin Poh.

Mr Poh was speaking at a weekend fundraising in Port Moresby that raised just over K1 million to support the dialysis centre.

He said this will certainly act as a centre of excellence in providing dialysis and as a center for training of doc-

Opposition describes pension as ‘trickery’

BY HAIVETA KIVIA

THE National Government’s pension for the old and handicap people has been described as “trickery” by the Opposition.

Deputy Opposition Leader and Pangu frontman Sam Basil said the Government is pushing socially attractive ideas but it does not have the data or statistics of the handicaps and the old people.

“They are waving free aged care which is trickery such as free education and health care,” Mr Basil said.

“How can we start paying pensions for these citizens when we can’t get the education and health right for the people.

“Do they take us for fools, trying to divert the attention of the people away from the serious governance issues.” Mr Basil, unknowingly, made this statement on the night of the World Day for Persons Living with Disability was celebrated.

Many of these patients are sick and travelling far is difficult for them and their family, cannot afford the costs of health care.

“Imagine if we need to send 100 patients a year that would cost us a whooping US$1 million (K2.7m).”

The foundation has managed to engage Prof Liew NC from Malaysia to construct arterio-venous fistula for local patients.

On the other side of the country in Port Moresby Brown Kapi staunch advocator for people living with disability voiced his concerns for the lack of Government interventions and programs to assist people like him.

Mr Kapi appeared on a television station and pleaded for people living with disability to be given a fair go and the country to have policies for the disabled.

At a glance

KIDNEY FOUNDATION: PNG Kidney foundation needs to further expand to cater for more patients due to its increasing number of renal failure patients, says Chairman Martin Poh.

CHAIRMAN: The Chairman was speaking at a weekend fundraising in Port Moresby that raised just over K1 million to support the dialysis centre.

tors and dialysis personnel so that they can then set forth to run dialysis centers all over the country and the centre is determined to do that with the help of much support.

“I do hope that our dream of getting a piece of land for this purpose is realized soon with the help from all parties,” the chairman said. PNG Kidney Foundation has achieved the

objective of providing dialysis for those in needs. In addition, the foundation has brought in expertise to create arteriovenous fistulas for patients.

While expanding the dialysis facility, it plans to have a training program for arteriovenous fistula creation for local surgeons.

The foundation also want to see in the near future that it provide a comprehensive training program for our doctors and dialysis personnel so that these personnel may be deployed to other provinces.

Asian businessman helps rebuild church

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

ABOUT 300 Christians at the Moitaka-Wildlife community in NCD can now enjoy worshipping under a roof after an Asian businessman stepped in and helped rebuild their church.

IT was prayers answered for this small congregation

at the settlement behind the Port Moresby golf course when businessman Tony Weng Mingshui owner of Jade Island Trading and his wife decided to assist them after learning of their plight in the newspapers.

The Mt Moriah Church of the Nazarene was constructed in 2009 but was destroyed

by strong winds in 2013.

Church pastor Joe Darua Neil and his congregation conducted several fund raising activities which with support from the congregation’s special offerings were able to raise only K6,000.

Mr Neil then decided to approach the media which gave a good coverage of the

church’s plight and caught the attention of Mr Mingshui who said the story troubled his heart to help the congregation rebuild their little church.

Mr Neil told Post-Courier that several attempts to get members of parliament to help them rebuild the church were unsuccessful.

Rainy weather destroys schools

HEAVY downpour and strong winds have completely destroyed two schools in the Sumkar electorate of Madang Province.

Abisan Primary and Cosmos Primary schools had been badly affected by strong winds and bad weather last week, tearing away classroom roofs and walls and flooding the school grounds.

Sumkar MP Ken Fairweather confirmed that the schools were badly affected by the recent bad weather and estimated the cost of repair to be more than K100,000 for each school.

But the students of these schools have not stopped going to classes, according to Mr Fairweather.

The Sumkar MP said his office had already spent K100,000 to fix the damages in the two schools.

“Yes schools in my electorate have been badly affected by the weather, two schools mostly and some others but we are managing,” Mr Fairweather said.

“We have started assisting the schools that have been really affected.

“We cannot wait and ask for help from the Government, we have to do it ourselves so I have helped with funding from our funds here.”

He said work on the repair had already started at the two schools and appealed to other schools to come forward and report damages. so they can help when and where they can.

PNG to support Vanuatu after assessment

THE Papua New Guinea needs assessment team paid a courtesy visit to the MSG Secretariat yesterday to brief the director-general Peter Forau and his staff on their visit.

It is a follow up of an earlier visit by High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Fred Yakasa and John Balavu, directorgeneral of the border and security cooperation of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The team informed Mr Forau that the purpose of their visit was to identify needs caused by Tropical Cyclone Pam in order to determine the long term assistance that will be provided by the PNG Government.

This assistance by PNG would be in addition to the K5 million immediate relief assistance given to the Government of Vanuatu last week to help with emergency supplies.

MSG unites to help Vanuatu

THE Melanesian Spearhead Group Foreign Ministers who gathered at the MSG Secretariat in Port Vila have pledged assistance to the Cyclone Pam devastated island nation.

Papua New Guinea is represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato who was among his colleagues who travelled to Vanuatu to hear first-hand reports from the Government of Vanuatu and its National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) officials, before discussing urgent relief assistance to

one of its member and host of the MSG Secretariat –Vanuatu.

Madam Caroline MachoroReignier, Chairlady of the MSG Foreign Ministers

7.4

Meeting (FMM) welcomed Rimbink Pato from PNG, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Milner Tozaka who is Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Mr Sato Kilman Livtuvanu, Foreign Minister of Vanuatu and Front de Liberation National Kanak et Socialist representative, Mickael Forrest to the oneday meeting.

At the official opening of the meeting, Madam Machoro - Reignier called on all Ministers and Senior

Officials at the Special FMM to take a minute of silence in memory of the people of Vanuatu who lost their lives during the recent Tropical Cyclone Pam and to those who were affected by the cyclone in other parts of the Pacific.

The Chairlady of the FMM said that the very purpose of holding the special meeting is to discuss a relief assistance, rebuilding and rehabilitation package that MSG members could provide to help the Government of Vanuatu respond immedi-

ately in the coming weeks to the pressing needs of the people of Vanuatu.

She said that this is to help MSG members consider the best way forward, not only in terms of urgent and immediate relief assistance to the people but also in terms of rebuilding Vanuatu.

Madam Machoro - Reignier and foreign ministers from MSG member states were able to receive a presentation with an assessment of the impacts of Cyclone Pam by the National Disaster. Management Office.

magnitude earthquake shakes islands

BY SHARON LOWA

AN EARTHQUAKE with a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale shook parts of the New Guinea Islands at 9:48am yesterday.

It causes the morning traffic, workers and general public in East New Britain panicking and running for clearances to stay clear from

power lines, trees and buildings.

Workers ran out of their offices, shoppers left their shopping and scurried out seeking refuge in open spaces in fear of their lives.

According to the Rabaul Volcano Observatory, the earthquake was of tectonic origin caused by the Pacific and Bismarck plates from a

depth of 60-70 km. The earthquake occurred offshore about 80km southeast of Rabaul between the southern tip of New Ireland and east coast of Gazelle Peninsula. It was strongly felt in Rabaul and other parts of the Gazelle and the southern part of New Ireland, while in Rabaul it had an intensity of V on the Modified Mercalli Scale.

Reports showed that it generated a small tsunami and was observed in Simpson Harbor in Rabaul town, while tremors were felt throughout the day. The National Disaster Office issued a tsunami warning for the coastal parts of New Guinea islands, Papua Peninsula and Milne Bay, but that was cancelled later in the day.

MEMBERS of the PNG needs assessment team (front row) with the director-general and staff of the MSG Secretariat (back row) at the MSG Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

This is to help MSG members consider the best way forward

MADAM MACHORO - REIGNIER Port Vila, Vanuatu

K20,000 worth of marijuana surrendered

BY SHIRLYN BELDEN

MT Hagen city in Western Highlands came to a standstill last Friday when 134 criminals and drug addicts surrendered about K20,000 worth of marijuana to the police and community leaders.

The roads were cramped with people as villagers from the Moge tribe celebrated by marching through the city streets with uprooted marijuana plants led by leaders from the Life in the Spirit Ministries and the Moge tribe.

The ministries’ communications officer Ian Patama told the Post-Courier yesterday that the Moge tribesmen, especially the women, wives, the elderly and mothers were all emotional and full of joy as the drug addicts who come from the Moge tribe and were once petty criminals that ruled the city fronts and prey on residents and visitors decided to change and become proactive citizens and Christians in the city.

The Moge tribe is located within the Mt Hagen city vicinity.

Elderly man murdered over land dispute

BY FRANCO NEBAS

AN elderly man has been brutally murdered and chopped into pieces in a cultlike killing in Finschhafen District over a land dispute between two villages last Saturday.

According to sources, the deceased only identified as Kuaring, a village leader from Gena village in the Hube LLG, was chopped in front of a terrified public at Pindiu station by youths from neighboring Naiyalo village.

The bottom line

Murder suspects in Lae arrested

LAE police have reported the arrest of four murder suspects in Lae over the weekend.

Acting Metropolitant Superintendent Timothy Pomoso also revealed in his daily briefs that since last Saturday, Lae police have reported 70 offences dominated by unlawful assault, drunk and disorderly behaviour, traffic accidents and breaches, stealing and murder.

One of the detained murder suspects is a 19-yearold female of Minz in the Jiwaka Province alleged to have murdered a Daisy Bagisa of Salamua in Morobe Province.

According to police the alleged murder occurred at Banana block, West Taraka in Lae on February 26.

In another arrest, two adult male suspects from Kumalu villge in Mumeng LLG of Bulolo and Kela village in Salamua have been detained in relation to the murder of a Hire Buy Sell (HBS) employee in 2013.

Lae police reported the men were on the wanted list by Bulolo police as well for armed robbery at Mumeng station.

Upon their arrest last weekend at the Highlands bustop in Lae, both were in possession of a large quantity of marijuana.

Another murder suspect detained was a 29-year-old male suspect of Gagidu in Finschaffen and resident of China town in Lae.

At a glance

MURDER: A man has been brutally murdered and chopped into pieces in a cultic manner.

WHERE: In Finschhafen district, Morobe province.

WHEN: Last week Saturday.

REASON: The man was murdered over a land dispute between two villages. The two villages have been at loggerhead over a discovery of oil-sip at their boarder since 2011.

The source said the two villages have been at loggerhead over the discovery of oil at their border of their villages in 2011.

He said prior to the murder, a fight erupted between the two villages almost a fortnight ago and the leaders have called for rural police

intervention and Kuaring was a party in apprehending the suspects involved in the fight.

Meanwhile, Hube LLG president Kiwas Naiyos called for immediate intervention from the Morobe provincial police command and the provincial government.

“This is the first kind of such barbaric and cultic killing in my area and I would like coorperation among all stakeholders to immediately arrest the suspects,” Mr Naiyos said.

He said the suspects are still at large and this could lead to retaliation by the other faction, which may lead to a large scale fight.

He said they only hear about such killings in the neighboring Sialum LLG in the Tewae-Siassi and the frequent visit by people of the two LLGs has seen cultic influences moving into Hube LLG.

“I call on people to respect lives as they are hard to replace. Such killing is unchristian and not heard of in our area,” he said.

He is wanted for the alleged murder of a man from Pindiu, also in Finschaffen. The incident occurred last Saturday when the suspect, under the influence of alcohol, stabbed the deceased with a knife in a fight.

The deceased was rushed to Angau hospital but died, according to police reports.

Mr Pomoso also confirmed that long time policemen Senior Constable Sapten Paliau has passed away at the Angau hospital on Sunday after being admitted last week.

Stabbings today are common among gangs and in prisons because knives are cheap, easy to acquire, easily concealable and effective.

UPROOTED marijuana plants being burnt in Mt Hagen. INSERTS: Moge tribe villagers celebrate by marching in the city.

Quick thoughts

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

I just want to correct Arnold Akia on his view “Passover or Easter” (PostCourier 27.03.15). Yes Arnold, some Christian churches will celebrate Passover on April 4. However, “mainline churches” will be concentrating more on the days preceding the Passover. Those days are significant for us because we recall that two thousand something years ago, just before the Passover, our Lord Jesus Christ had his Last Supper with his apostles before He dies an agonising death on the cross. And as you put it, on the same weekend, on Easter Sunday, he rose from the dead. Easter is this celebration of Jesus’ triumph over death. Easter is important for our faith for it proves beyond doubt for all eternity that Jesus is truly the Son of God. It has nothing to do with pagan feasts, demons, bunny rabbits, Easter eggs, etc.

Allanza M Apini

LAE NEEDS BUAI BAN

This is an appeal to our courageous authorities. Can you pass a law to outlaw buai sales and chewing in Lae City? This is for the sake of cleanliness and saving the image of our city. Just driving pass the newly-constructed roundabouts near Huon Gulf Motel and Lae Fire Station, Scott Halls and Anderson Foodland will tell visitors that people in Lae are still living in the primitive age. We have the “don’t care” attitude. Buai chewers are getting out of hand. They have proven to be irresponsible. You see people who chew and spit out of moving cars/ buses onto the newly built pavements, concrete walkways and onto the main roads/streets. These people are not fit to live in a place like Lae. We tend to have no respect for the time and hard work contractors and city cleaners are putting in day by day to keep this city clean. Can the Governor, Lae MP, ward councillors and other stakeholders please act and in unity do something?

Steven Sande

Looking for someone?

THANK you Post-Courier for bridging me with a long-time friend. I have managed to get his contact and hopefully will get in touch. Thank you once again for the wonderful “Looking for someone?” column. Keep up the good work!

Michael Tonou

Come celebrate ANZAC Day

ON BEHALF of the Port Moresby Sub Branch of the RSL, I would like to extend an invitation to one and all, to join us at Bomana War Cemetery this coming Thursday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.

That fateful morning created a legacy and traditions for two burgeoning countries, which nearly a century later, are still revered. It was the first time that Australia and New Zealand sent their young men to war under their own flag. It consecrated a rocky coastline in a far off land that today is still the most sacred of ground for young men and women thousands of kilometres away.

It forged a bonding between two nations that will never be broken

and only gets stronger with time. Similarly, this is very reflective of how the strong relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea was forged. What is perhaps lesser known, is that the Australian and New Zealand campaigns actually started in the Pacific in late 1914. Australia’s first deployed troops were, in fact, to Papua to seize German outposts.

Last year we honoured the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first action of WWI at Bitapaka, where our first troops were killed in action.

We honoured the 73rd anniversary of the Kokoda campaigns last year and it was a monumental event. We had an estimated 3300 people join us and share in some wonderful memo-

ries. Senior dignitaries of all three nations, as well as our close allies, made great efforts to attend and further highlight the special bond between us all.

Every year we are humbled by the support given to us by leaders, heads of missions, diplomatic, defence, police, and the business community. Without their assistance we simply could not conduct ANZAC Day. Again, we cordially invite all members of the public to join us on this most special of days. We would ask that the general public be in place at Bomana War Cemetery no later than 4.45am on Saturday, April 25.

We look forward to seeing you.

Glenn Maitland President – Port Moresby RSL

The views expressed on these pages are the opinions of our readers. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Post-Courier – Editor

WRITE TO US Text us on 208

Monitor PSIP and DSIP funds

genuine and correspond to the actual work done in provinces and districts.

Text us on 208

THANK YOU, PATO

THE Department of Finance has already released K41 million in PSIP and DSIP funds, as revealed by Minister for Finance James Marape recently.

It is also pleasing to note that the minister was also sounding warning bells that whichever province and district that did not submit their expenditure acquittals for the previous funds will not receive their next lot of allocations.

However, the Finance Minister must also be mindful not to relay on the paper acquittals submitted and assume that all is well. It would be foolish to assume that funds are properly absorbed into actual projects and services in provinces and districts in the country.

Any Tom, Dick and Harry can furnish up good acquittals to meet the requirement of laws governing public finances while diverting funds to satisfy personal interests.

Therefore, the minister and his officers at Vulupindi Haus should

physically visit and check districts and provinces to justify the acquittals and district and provincial treasury books. Only then can they be rest assured that funds have been properly used and being accounted for. Corruption and mismanagement of public funds has become rampant and has already become a norm across PNG. And that is not only a sad situation but a very shameful one.

As required, it is one duty by the minister to call for the acquittals of public funds but it is also a duty and a requirement for him and his officers to ensure all acquittals are

Many reasonable-thinking people in the country are already tired of rampant mismanagement of public funds at provincial and district treasuries. There are alleged syndicates operating within the system, who collude with corrupt MPs and steal millions of public funds.

It will also be interesting to note that provinces like Eastern Highland and its Daulo district acquittals are already accepted and approved. But on the contrary, we have seen nothing happening on the ground to show for the funds spent. How can the minister blindly go ahead and approve their acquittals and give the next share of fund to them?

The situation is like cancer eating away at the bones of society. And until and when the Finance Minster realises that and rectifies the problem, our ordinary people in the communities will continue to suffer.

Charles Ifu Watabung, EHP

Where are developments talked about?

THE recent media outburst of gratitude by so-called Pori leaders, Handa Ano and Hibson Ambulu, praising Tari-Pori MP James Marape for tangible developments in Pori sub-district in Tari-Pori district, should not go unchallenged.

Since MP Marape was elected as leader in 2007 and in 2012, no tangible developments have been taking place in the Pori area. If leaders like Mr Ano and Ambulu see MP Marape is and has been delivering then tell us, which sectors has he been developing? The 2013 AusAID funded new Pori Health Centre is incomplete and sitting idle due to lack of funds.

As a result, people could not ac-

cess basic health services while some are dying from curable diseases. In the education sector, we have been asking MP Marape to build modern schools and give high school status to our only Pori Primary School since 2007. But our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Further, where is MP Marape’s sealed road and permanent bridges, modern water supply and sanitation and electricity in the Pori sub-district? Which sustainable economic and business avenues did MP Marape create for his Pori people to generate their income? Which agricultural farm in Pori is from MP Marape’s modern model Agro Industry project initiative?

Mysterious self-claimed Pori leaders are hailing Marape for nothing, which is causing a lot of heart ache to the people of Pori. We do not know them.

We the Pori people demand a public apology from Ano and Ambulu now. We are not fools. We are educated people, unlike back in the 80s.

The once-deserted Tsak local level government in Wapenamanda district, Enga Province, has received much-needed infrastructural grants to rebuild its deteriorating, colonial built roads and bridges. I would like to thank Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration and local MP Rimbink Pato for allocating K3 million. The grant was to have the Tsak road further upgraded from Alumanda to Pitipas, with current upgrades being undertaken from Mukurumanda Road Junction (road junction leading into main Highlands Highway) to Raiakam. I thank the minister for partnering and sourcing funds from international donors. This will see the new construction of the Tile Bridge at a cost of K2.5 million and Topak Bridge at a cost of K1.5 million, all funded by the Japanese government and will be constructed by the Warenge Komba Foundation, a local non-government organisation working in the Tsak Valley. The roads and bridges’ construction and upgrading will see the smooth flow of government services into the valley with many business opportunities arising for the people.

Mortimer Steve Yangharry

PLEASE GET LO

I am a diehard fan for the PNG Hunters and I really support the current team. In last year’s games played by the Hunters, I always admire the way Garry Lo played. He deserved to be selected into the NRL but somehow he signed up with an English club. I think Stanley Gene never gave him proper advice/counsel on what to expect or problems to encounter in a different country. Just imagine a first timer trying to settle in a foreign land. He just couldn’t handle the situation so he left without letting Gene know of his departure. Please, coach Michael Marum, can you reconsider taking Lo back into the team? Please forget what he did and just recruit

him. I believe other supporters are having the same thoughts.

Mangi Kerpex

TOP MARKS TO LERA

Joseph Lera is one of the few MPs that is truly serving the people of his province or region. The use of his allocated funds have been laid out for everyone to see in his five-year plan. I cannot praise him enough for keeping to his plan each year, unlike many MPs who sometimes succumb to the many temptations of inappropriately applying monies. I didn’t think he would have cared to do something very special for Mortlock Primary School, knowing from the experience of continuous shunning from our fellow islander and member for North Bougainville. Without your assistance with the equipment for TV lessons, our children would not have had this great opportunity to learn from lessons telecasted by EMTV. Our other MPs in the region must emulate Mr Lera. With nothing much to showcase the millions of kina that these MPs get each year, I suggest responsible anti-corruption bodies to check them out to see if they are doing what they have been mandated to do.

Drift Wood

PUNISH CULPRITS

I refer to your front page edition, “What a waste” (26 March). How comes a shipping vessel, which was not cleared by customs officials to travel, was paid big money to transport relief supplies to disaster centres, knowing very well that the vessel hasn’t been cleared yet to leave the port? Something is not right here. A thorough investigation needs to be carried out and all those responsible need to be punished. How many times are we going to see people get away easily after defrauding the State and its people?

Fed Up Elpen

I would hope the status quo can be quickly I would the status quo can be restored so that free market conditions so continue to prevail to enable the private continue to to enable the sector to play its role. sector to its role.

Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch on exports laws Minister Patrick Pruaitch on exports laws.

Pori Nane Ibabitayagei Hela

The entire board of directors of the Coffee Industry Corporation resigned at a special meeting in Lae. March 15, 2005

FINANCE Minister James Marape

Govt pays fees for uni students

DOZENS of students who were about to be sent home for outstanding tuitions fees have been saved thanks to the speedy delivery of school fee subsidies from their provincial government.

The North Whagi students at Divine Word University gathered yesterday at the university’s Madang campus to receive a school fee subsidy totalling K64,000.

This made the North Whagi student body the first of all provinces to receive school fee subsidies at the tertiary institutional level.

NCD schools help Vanuatu

SCHOOLS in the National Capital District contributed so much towards the cyclone relief for Vanuatu through the Bridge Club PNG (BCPNG), working with NCD education services.

The Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention in FUKUOKA (APCC), a nonprofit organization based in Fukuoka, Japan, continues to organise grassroots intercultural exchange programs for children of Asia and the Pacific every year since

1989. The APCC aims to foster “global citizens” who are able to think of the world beyond national boundaries and strive for world peace and co-existence. In the hope of making the dream come true, children (junior ambassadors) who will shape the world in the 21st century gathered together in Fukuoka and gained mutual understanding of different cultures and traditions through home stay and various cultural exchange

activities in the two-weeklong program.

A total of 117 students as junior ambassadors, 16 teachers and education officers from NCD have attended the APCC invitation program representing the Department of Education through the NCD education office. In 2013, Bridge Club PNG (BCPNG) was established and has been working with APCC to achieve APCC goals. BCPNG was organized by former Junior

Ambassadors and their family.

BCPNG has received a request for supporting cyclone victims in Vanuatu through APCC and BC Vanuatu.

Akinori Ito, APCC PNG liaison officer, requested through the office of assistant secretary for NCD education services, Sam Lora, on March 23 to conduct Vanuatu cyclone relief activities in NCD primary schools.

Mr Lora approved the

request and BCPNG and standards officer, NCD working with all NCD schools to run relief appeal activities.

BCPNG has received and collected secondhand clothes, shoes and total K2700 cash from participating schools, which include Sacred Heart, Bavoroko, Boreboa, Gerehu, Morata, Philips Aravure, Kaugere and Daugo Primary schools.

Mr Ito acknowledged all schools in NCD for the donations.

The 32 students were in awe of their MP Fabian Pok who showed that human resource development was among his top priorities.

North Whagi student representative John Binja and other student leaders called the meet yesterday to inform their colleagues of the swift subsidy payment.

Of the 32 students, over 20 of them were in the red on the student tuition fees list and desperately needed to clear up their fees before being excluded. With the subsidy cleared an money already in the North Whagi student account, all 32 names will be allocated fair share of the funding for their fees.

BOREBOA Primary School students are part of the many schools in NCD which donated supplies to help Vanuatu cyclone victims.

UN rep: Growth not benefiting citizens

THE United Nations says that the economic growth brought in by extractive industries is insufficient for human development if it does not translate into benefits for all citizens.

Speaking at the opening of a resource development conference recently, UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative Roy Trivedy said the gradual increase in revenues over the years had created more opportunities to transform the economy.

“And the goal now must be to embrace the pursuit of greater wellbeing for all,” he said.

The conference, organised by the Institute of National Affairs and the International Mining for Development Centre of the Australian National University, provided a platform for participants to share knowledge on connecting natural resource wealth with sustainable human development.

It brought together experts and researchers, industry,

civil society and government stakeholders.

Mr Trivedy said the national strategy for responsible sustainable development launched by the Government last year had already provided an excellent roadmap for a paradigm shift by placing people at the centre of development.

“Further actions will require some tough decisions and a sustained focus on the part of leaders to achieve better outcomes,” he added.

Experts presented papers on a range of topics including measuring development goals in resource project impact areas and the collection of statistics.

“We look forward to the debates and follow-up actions around the discussed issues. The UN in PNG stands ready to serve the country and all its citizens in meeting the development aspirations of the nation in an equitable and sustainable manner,” Mr Trivedy said.

Advocate visits disabled

BY DENYSE KALAU

A SMALL and peaceful Simbu community at Konedobu received a surprise visit from the Kapi Foundation, which brought out 15 people with disabilities from the shanty homes nestle among permanent houses and offices.

The Suape camp settlers were told that people living with disabilities in their communities were not totally useless and should not be viewed as such.

“These people are not liabilities by their own choice and are not dying away because of a lack of services from the government,” said Foundation president and PNG Rehabilitation Centre chairman Brown Kapi.

He told the group they must be aware of the worst form of disability, which is of people who are physically capable of doing things but are not contributing positively to their communities and the nation.

“Many of you may think you are normal and there is nothing wrong with you but if you are a strong person who usually gets involve in activities such as drinking alcohol, playing card, stealing and making a nuisance of yourself in front of the community, then you are actually the real disabled person,” Mr Kapi, himself bound to a wheelchair, said.

Mr Kapi told the people with disabilities that as long as they do not find and claim their own rights, the Government and authorities will not do anything for them.

“We are organising self-help groups to assist people with special needs gain recognition and share in the resources of the country and it is also the task of the government to assist as well,” he said.

Mr Kapi has been spreading this same message of empowerment in the city for PWDs to mobilise and speak up so that they can be heard.

He said if people with disabilities had the chance, they would be the ones taking care of able people by striving to become better leaders of the nation one day.

Baby Charlotte with her palm takes part in the Palm Sunday service on Sunday at the St. Michael parish in Hanuabada. This week is Holy Week, and culminates with Easter at the weekend.

Picture: DONALD WILLIE

PALM SUNDAY SERVICE

If you have a story to tell, call us on 309 1042, or email bwaluka@spp.com.pg

BROWN KAPI

People benefit from road projects

THE people of Southern Highlands are now enjoying the benefits of travelling on good roads after many years, thanks to the provincial government for the intervention and funding.

The provincial government has prioritised infrastructure as one of the major development policy guideline in line with the National Government’s development policy on Infrastructure.

So far millions of money has been spent over the past two and half years to fix all the provincial and national roads like the Kagua Erave, Mendi Tambul, Gulf Southern Highlands and Mendi Nipa-Hela roads.

Police squad receive training

THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has run a week long workshop on rights to participation of child victims and witnesses of crime in Mt Hagen. The workshop that was funded by the UNDDC-

UNICEF taught policemen and officers how to deal with child victims and witnesses to be aware of the procedures to assist child victims.

Attending the workshop were provincial training of-

ficers, sexual violence officers and sexual offence squads from all the Highlands provinces. It was chaired by the acting director for community policing from police headquarters, Chief Inspector John Kolopen, and

Highlands regional training officer, Inspector Mesa Ona. Deputy commander Highlands region Jim Onopea said the workshop would not only benefit those in the criminal justice system but also protect the welfare and

well-being of the victims as they go about their normal business in life as adults and productive members of the community.

Mr Onopea said he like to see police recruits get the same kind of training.

Among the 46 provincial roads funded by the provincial government are the Tona Pimbil road in the Imbongu district and the Kware road in the Kagua Erave districts that have been completely cut-off from the rest of the province. On Wednesday last, the people openly received the first bus to travel from Hagen to the Tona Piambil area.

People shared tears and kissed the bus after missing out on a good road for the past 15 years.

PROVINCIAL training officers, sexual violence officers and sexual offence squads from all the Highlands provinces who attended the workshop.

If you have a story to tell, call us on 542 2602, or email

MP: Shipping services will be restored

BY FRANCO NEBAS

SHIPPING services to five maritime districts of Morobe Province will be restored, says Kabwum MP Bob Dadae.

Mr Dadae announced this during the presentation of K500,000 to the newly established Morobe Coastal Shipping Services last week in Lae.

He said the K500, 000 is the final payment from Kabwum district towards the establishment of Morobe Coastal Shipping services.

“I am presenting K500,000 as the final payment of the initial K1 million as agreed by us the five leaders of the maritime districts of the province,” he said.

Mr Dadae said the leaders have agreed to contribute K1 million

each to purchased the vessels put out on tender by liquidator following the liquation of Evangelical Lutheran Church owned Lutheran Shipping.

“We all have agree to put K1 million each and K150, 000 for the administration which Kabwum district had made the first payment last year with the K150, 000 administration funding and today is the final payment of the K1 million,” he said.

He said the company is the initiative of five Morobe MPs to restore the shipping services abounded by Lutheran Shipping following its liquidation.

He said the five MPS include Speaker Theodore Zurenuoc (Finschhafen), Mao Zeming (Tewai/Siassi), Gisuwat Siniwin (Nawaeb), Ross Seymour (Huon)

and himself (Kabwum).

These five districts decide to establish this vital shipping service following the liquidation of Lutheran Shipping sometimes ago.

He said the leaders felt that they should come aboard immediately to rescue the people by restore and continue with the vital service services.

He said the company will not only provide passenger services but also assist with the freighting of cargos and cash crops.

Mr Dadae said the company is 100 percent owned by the people of Morobe. “We the leaders have taken the initative to form the company which is here to stay. When we make our exit, the new leaders will continue to play custodians to this company.”

EDUCATING THE YOUNG

TEACHERS from different parts of Papua New Guinea teaching at community and primary schools in Menyamya district, Morobe province. The teachers say they enjoy teaching in the district.

Schools lack agriculture, forestry course materials

DESPITE the agro-forestry course being introduced in the secondary school curriculum, there has been a lack of resources and reference materials to assist students.

Bugandi Secondary School teacher

Matthew Boi said it has been an ongoing issue that both students and teachers have had to keep up with since the course was introduced.

“Being the gead of department of the agriculture course I often experience a hard time trying to set an assessment that students have easy access to when consulting local references,” Mr Boi told the Post-Courier

“It is even more challenging when relevant local authorities having information on forests do not have databases or websites available for students to access.”

Mr Boi appealed to the PNG Forest Institute and other relevant bodies to look into the matter and make advancements for students to make reference to local facts and figures when doing their assignments.

Busu Secondary School principal

George Giactulu also shared similar sentiments and he said the agro-forestry course is one that students enjoy learning but there are issues.

“We do not have teachers who are trained in this particular area so many have had to download materials off the internet to teach their students,” Mr Giactulu said.

“It would be best if the University of Goroka introduce these to their students so that they are able to come out and better assist students in this area of study.” PNG Forest Research Institute deputy director Martin Golman assured the principals that the matter has been taken into consideration by the institute and attempts will be made to resolve it.

“We will make attempts to negotiate with the relevant education and forest authorities to ensure that materials of the agro-forestry course are made readily available,” Mr Golman said.

“In addition to that we still have yet to discuss amongst ourselves of when and how make can have graduate foresters go into secondary schools to teach.”

Settlers reconcile with students

A RARE reconciliation took place yesterday afternoon at the Divine Word University’s Madang campus as representatives of Govstoa settlement met with University staff and students.

The peace meeting was an initiative of Govstoa settlement representatives who called the meet to bring closure to the issue of the attack on a university student last week Friday. The attack was instigated by settlers who broke a bottle on a student’s head and were later chased down by university students and beaten up, one of whom was seriously injured.

The sit-down was chaired by university student president Peter Isifu and witnessed by staff, students and members of the Govstoa community.

Also at the meeting were the two individuals who were brutally attacked on Friday, the student and the settler who attacked him, both of whom have made speedy recoveries and looked to be in good health.

Govstoa community leader Abraham Enoch told all that he was saddened that this was not the first time that members of the Govstoa area were responsible for the injuring of a student.

If you have a story to tell, call us on 982 9186, or email postrabaul.spp@global.net.pg / or call 973 9188, email postbuka@gmail.com

Koromira Tech lacks science equipment

BY ROMULUS MASIU

KOROMIRA Technical

High School in Central Bougainville is in dire need of science equipment for its Australian government-funded science lab.

Since the lab was completed late last year, there are still no science kits for learning. The situation is so bad that the school has borrowed a microscope from Bana High School in South Bougainville to go through a science lesson.

Senior subject mistress

Bernadette Torzan said the building itself is not very safe as it is not built on posts and poses a health risk and danger to students and staff.

“We have missed out on science kits while other schools have already collected theirs. We do not know the reason why we have missed out. We we enquired but got no positive response from people concerned,” Mrs Torzan said.

Basil to walk for his candidate

BY HAIVETA KIVIA

PANGU Pati leader Sam Basil will walk the length and breath of Pomio district in East New Britain Province to West New Britain Province.

Mr Basil said these when introducing his party’s candidate for the Pomio by-election at a fundraising dinner in Lae last Saturday.

Pangu has nominated Leo Katal to run under its ticket for the Pomio seat left vacant after the imprisonment of previous MP Paul Tiensten.

“I will personally walk throughout Pomio and will walk all the way to West New Britain to campaign for my candidate,” he said.

Mr Basil also challenged the Pomio people and other electorates that will be participating in the by-elections to seriously choose between supporting a corrupt regime or a service oriented and service driven political party such as Pangu.

He said the choice is with the people and his party is providing the alternative with real action.

“The writing is on the wall for all to see, the future of Papua New Guinea is in your hands,” he told the Pomio people.

He said under his leadership, Pangu will sign a memorandum of understanding with its intending candidates on effective services delivery

Development of Buka town a concern

A BOUGAINVILLEAN has raised concerns on how Buka town is developing fast without proper facilities to cater for the commuters who come from the rural villages.

Silvio Sagolo, in a recent visit to Buka, said that there are no shades or sitting benches within the town for the public to use after doing their shopping and there is not even a designated parking area for PMV trucks.

He said many of the shoppers seen daily in town are the rural villagers who travel to access goods and services and in return the town authority must do something for them as they come to spend money on the business houses.

Mr Sagolo said the non-availability of toilet is a big problem and it is very sad to see the people, especially the women and girls, use the sea front to relieve themselves in the view of the boat users who travel the Buka passage.

“Even buildings are springing up everywhere within the town area and are so close together without any fire safety equipment,” he said.

LEADER: The Pangu Pati leader Sam Basil will walk the length and breath of Pomio district in East New Britain to West New Britain to campaign for his party’s candidate.

NOMINATION: Pangu has nominated Leo Katal to run under its ticket for the Pomio seat left vacant after the imprisonment of its previous MP Paul Tiensten.

CHALLENGE: Mr Basil has challenged the Pomio people and other electorates that will be participating in by-elections in future.

and in accordance with the party’s policies.

“If Leo Katal wins, I assure the people of Pomio that we will deliver services within three months or even less after his declaration,” he added.

Mr Basil said Pangu would aligned with political parties such as Triumphant Heritage Empowerment Party, PNG Party, People’s Labour Party and National Alliance in sharing preferential in Pomio and other byelections before the 2017 National General Elections.

KOROMIRA Technical High School needs a new dormitory for the boys who are cramped in one tiny building.

Disabled man calls for election of good leaders

BY ROMULUS MASIU

A PERSON with disability, Ivan Kimare, has appealed to fellow Bougainvilleans to vote good and honest leaders in the coming ABG Elections.

Mr Kimare said Bougainvilleans have voted in leaders who are either not capable to run the government or are just plain corrupt, resulting in a lack of tangible developments, especially in the most remote areas on the island.

Mr Kimare, 30, from Pakia and Solos parentage, said it his high time Bougainvillean voters make wise decisions for which leaders to lead them for the next five years to the referendum.

Mr Kimare has observed since the formation of ABG in 2005 that most leaders when voted into parliament have practiced nepotism and only helped those who have voted for them.

He said Bougainville cannot deny that there are practices in the offices by certain parliamentarians and officers of government.

Mr Kimare is urging more women leaders to stand in the constituency seats, challenging their male counterparts.

“It’s about time women must stand because we have to vote in true leaders as they are the voice of our island region. It’s about time mothers take the leading role and bring us to our destiny,” he said.

Hospital CT scan in operation

THE Buka Hospital is now the second government health facility to have a computerised tomography (CT) scanner installed with its first patients undergoing tests last week.

The CT scanner was bought by the Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera at a cost of K1.7 million last year to help the hospital provide the best results for patients instead of them going out of the region.

According to radiologist, Lindsey Hunt, the scanner is similar to the one he uses in Melbourne, Victoria.

He said a CT scanner is a three dimensional (3D) imaging machine with captures images that is sent to the monitor room and that is where problems with the patient is identified.

Mr Hunt said the machine can do scans from head to toe and the first day last week 12 patients were scanned on the head, face, neck, chest to look for fractures. It could also show lumps on neck or cancer on the breast or in the stomach. He said unlike the conventional x-ray which uses a fixed x-ray tube, this one uses a motorised x-ray source that rotates around the patient shooting narrow beams through the body while the patients lie face up or down on the bed that slowly moves through the gantry. “As the x-rays leave the patient they are picked up by special digital detectors and transmitted to the computer.”

Candidates have 3 days to nominate

INTENDING candidates for this year’s Bougainville general election will have three days to nominate in order to be eligible for contesting in this election.

Acting Bougainville electoral commissioner George Manu is appealing to them to ensure that they were prepared and ready to go and nominate in their respective nominating locations during the scheduled election dates for nomination.

According to the election schedule, writs were issued at 4pm on Friday while nominations begin today at 8am Bougainville Standard Time. Nominations will end at 4pm Bougainville Standard Time on Wednesday.

“All candidates will have three days to go and nominate at their respective nomination locations,” Mr Manu said.

“Candidates for the constituency seats in South Bougainville will go and nominate in their respective district offices,” he said.

The retuning officers for each constituency will be responsible for accepting their nominations.

“Candidates for the women and former combatants seats in South Bougainville will go and nominate at the Buin district office.”

Candidates for the constituency and the regional women and former combatants’ seats in Central

At a glance

ELECTION SCHEDULES: Writs were issued at 4pm on Friday last week; nominations began yesterday at 8am Bougainville Standard Time and will end at 4pm on Wednesday, giving candidates three days to nominate, says acting Electoral Commissioner for Bougainville George Manu

Bougainville will go and nominate at the Central Field Coordination office in Arawa town, formerly the Kieta district office.

“Candidates for the constituency seats in Tinputz, Selau/Suir, Kunua, Nissan and Atolls districts will go and nominate in their respective district offices.

“Candidates for the six constituency seats in Buka and the regional women and former combatants for North Bougainville will come and nominate at the Bougainville Electoral Commission office.

“Nominations for candidates vying for the presidential seat will also be carried out at the Bougainville Electoral Commission office,” said Mr Manu.

He said all intending candidates would have to pay a K500 nomination fee.

IVAN Kimare wants Bougainvilleans to make good choices in the elections.

Parlt legislation to transform agriculture

Market Snapshot

BY ROSALYN ALBANIEL

TWO draft legislations are set to go before Parliament in a bid by the national government to transform the country’s ailing agriculture industry.

The policy framework comprising of the draft legislations known as the Agriculture Administration Adjustment Act and the Agriculture Investment Corporation Act were set out by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Tommy Tomscoll in Port Moresby yesterday during an Agriculture Summit attended by heads of all commodity boards and agencies.

The two day summit ends today.

The bills for the Act will be deliberated when the meeting reconvenes today and is geared among other factors at establishing a more functional department to imple-

The

DRAFT LEGISLATIONS FOR THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY: A policy framework comprising of the draft legislations known as the Agriculture Administration Adjustment Act and the Agriculture Investment Corporation Act were set out by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Tommy

BILLS: For the Act will be deliberated today when the meeting reconvenes.

ment changes that will ensure the industry is not only transformed, but thrives.

Also a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been developed, which are expected also to be signed off today by the heads of commodity boards and agencies.

Mr Tomscoll said the sector is vital, as it continues to support about 87 per cent or six million of the total population and is important that it

becomes internationally competitive if it is to survive today’s market. He said the agriculture sector has gone backwards in its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product from about 40 per cent to 25 per cent in the past decade.

The minister said the O’NeillDion Government is concerned about this and had commissioned the Functional Expenditure Review (FER). A Report and recommenda-

tions were tabled and endorsed by the National Executive Council, thus resulting in the proposed laws.

The benefits are among other; more transparency, wider participation, greater accountability and governance, but more importantly more money in the pockets of the people who matter-the farmers.

In relation to KPI’s, Mr Tomscoll said rightfully the six million people who depend on the sector should hold the heads of the commodity boards and agencies accountable.

“You are the ones who head the operations and spend the money on a daily basis and choose which activities should be a priority. The sector has declined over the past 40 years and as leaders you are suppose to bring about change.

“If you don’t, the people must hold you accountable,” he said.

FED:$A slips as traders eye April rate cut

COFFEE sector to benefit from

reformed legislation.

The country’s ailing agriculture sector is set to undergo changes that will ensure the industry is not only transformed, but thrives.

bottom line

Tomscoll during an Agriculture Summit attended by heads of all commodity boards and agencies.

Localise accounting profession

BY PATRICK T WUNDAI

AN AWARD winning professional accountant would like to see the accounting profession in Papua New Guinea be localised soon.

Watt K Kiddie, the Founder of Kiddie and Associates CPA Public accounting firm; the legacy firm of McNeill Young & Kiddie in an interview with Post-Courier yesterday said:

“Its over 40 years for Papua New Guinea now and its time the accounting profession in the country be localised in the next few years.”

Mr Kiddie, an established accounting practitioner with more than 28 years experience of which he has operated his own public practice for over 22 years and has carried out work for some of Papua New Guinea’s largest entities, reiterated that Papua New Guinea as a country is about to celebrate its 40 years nationhood yet most of the country’s private sector, especially the accounting sector, is still controlled by non Papua New Guineans.

“It’s time now for Papua New Guineans to step up and lift the accounting standard. The accounting profession has grown and is growing in which more national accountants are venturing into it.

“However, it should be more

ideal for the accounting profession to be more localised in accordance with the SmallMedium Enterprises policy,” he said.

The professional accountant who has just been awarded the Member of the Order of Logohu by the Governor General during an investiture last week for professional services

to the accounting sector, said the accounting profession needs a bit of an upgrade for quality output to be in par with internal best practices. Meanwhile, Mr Kiddie also revealed that he is in the transition period of changing his accounting firm to a new firm.

“The new firm in transi-

tion is to be known as Hanrick Curran & Kiddie and is to commence this month,” he added.

Mr Kiddie and his firm is among other specialised accounting services, consultancy, Auditing Services, Taxation, Internal Audit Services, Management Services, Liquidation & Insolven-

cy and Technical Finance & Business Services.

Commenting on his Logohu award, the accountant said he was proud to be associated with key developments in the country where his accounting expertise was required.

He said he was proud to be involved in major projects such as Ramu Nickel Group,

MRDC Group special projects, accounting, auditing & advisory services, BNG Group audits, Eda Ranu Corporate, Finance Inv. Corp. Grp special audit & enquiry, NCDC Special approach to auditing such entity, Assisting Receiver for PNG T & Sav& Loans and Major State Owned Authorities, and GoPNG.

LOGOHU award winner and founding partner of McNeil Young & Kiddie, Watt Kiddie posing with Governor General Sir Michael Ogio and Lady Ogio after the investiture ceremony at Government House.

Coffee yield declines

BY ROSALYN ALBANIEL

THERE has been a decline in production from the country’s tree crop industry, according to Coffee Industry Corporations chief executive officer Anton Benjamin during the Agriculture Summit held in Port Moresby yesterday.

This is despite its potential.

Mr Benjamin said the coffee industry alone is valued at K500 million and contributes 30 per cent to the total agriculture exports, eight per cent to the sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and one-per cent of the country’s GDP, while Small Holder Economic Farm Model shows an average Annual Net Income between K17-K25 per man day.

Mr Benjamin said the latter is more than the average rural minimum wages. He said production had peaked in 2011, adding that high prices had been a factor with production levels at nearly one million bags, but had varied over the years.

He said the industry has the potential to produce five to seven million bags but there were challenges the industry continued to face, including the fact that many of the coffee trees were old and needed to be replaced.

Mr Benjamin said this exercise alone would cost K300 million and about four billion seeds. Other factors he cited impeding on the sector were market accessibility, quality issues, coffee cherry borer, coffee theft, land tenure and climate change.

The COE said some measures were undertaken to address this issue, including intervention from government, which he had hailed as he sees the result through the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Tommy Tomscoll’s leadership.

He stressed that despite PNG producing only one per cent of the world market supply, the focus by CIC is on improving quality, including of the Robusta, which he said there is a huge demand for. Meanwhile, in the cocoa industry the summit heard that production is also on a declining trend.

CMB managing director Boto Gaupu said the industry has the potential of producing 66,700 tonnes equating to K417 million per annum.

Mr Gaupu said the board would continue with ongoing projects including the nursery project, freight subsidy and quality and market promotions.

World Bank Group offers support to aid Vanuatu

THE WORLD Bank Group yesterday announced that Vanuatu has received a US$1.9 million payout from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Pilot, the first of several measures that will help the Pacific Island country recover from Tropical Cyclone Pam, which struck the Pacific Island country on March 13.

“We are deeply concerned for the people of Vanuatu in the face of devastation caused by Cyclone Pam,” said Franz DreesGross, country director for the World Bank in Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands.

“The insurance payout will support Vanuatu in financing urgent relief and recovery efforts, as we continue to work with the government to identify priorities and offer assistance through various financial mechanisms.”

A delegation from the World Bank Group visited Vanuatu last week to conduct an initial scoping mission to assess the impact of the cyclone and the government’s emergency response needs, including immediate financial needs beyond the insurance payout.

In addition, to help restore Vanuatu’s tourism sector, a World

Bank technical team will arrive in Port Vila on today (March 31), to negotiate an IDA credit of up to US$59.5 million for the Vanuatu Aviation Investment Project.

IDA, or the International Development Association, is the World Bank’s fund for the poorest.

“The effect of Cyclone Pam on our country has been catastrophic – destroying years of development and investments,” said Maki Simelum, Vanuatu’s Minister for Finance.

“The need for a cohesive and coordinated approach to recovery and reconstruction is im-

mediate and we look forward to working with the development and aid agencies to ensure this is managed.”

The Category 5 storm caused widespread damage on 22 of 83 islands in the archipelago, affecting more than half of the population, or about 166,000 people.

Initial reports from the country’s national disaster management office estimate that about 65,000 people need temporary shelter, amid severe damages to buildings as well as power and communications networks.

WORLD BANK/PACNEWS

BUSINESS is booming for local firewood sellers at Port Moresby’s Manu Market.

FIREWOOD ON SALE

Ports authority waivers storage costs for Games

PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) has waivered significant storage costs as part of its support towards the hosting of the Pacific Games this year.

Chief Executive Officer of PNGPCL, Stanley Alphonse said “PNGPCL as a proud State Owned Enterprise and good corporate citizen of Papua New Guinea is providing its support towards the hosting of the Pacific Games in kind although this is not being recognised as sponsorship.”

“We are happy to waive the storage costs as part of our commitment towards the games. We are still receiving waiver requests for construction materials for the games facilities,” Mr Alphonse said.

“We, in conjunction with our regulatory and compliance division, are also working very closely with the XV Pacific Games Committee in preparation for the water sports events,” he said.

PNGPCL is happy to provide support in terms of manpower, security and other resources during the games particularly in the water sporting events that will be held in the Port Moresby harbour.

Staff involved in the preparations will plan around facilitating for the water sporting events with very minimal disruptions to the shipping and berthing operations in the harbour.

PNGPCL was involved in the triathlon test or trial event on Sunday, February 22, 2015 as requested by the CEO of Port Moresby 2015 Pacific Games Ltd, Peter Stewart and have successfully carried out their duties as planned.

“We are looking forward to providing this support also during the 15th Pacific Games,” Mr Alphonse said.

This is a PNGPCL community engagement initiative towards the people of Papua New Guinea to successfully host the games.

THE tourist vessel Oceania Discoverer sails into Morobe Patrol Post government station recently.

Picture: FRANCO NEBAS

CRUISE BOAT IN BAY

MEDICAL staff and PNG Ports Emergency Response Team during the triathlon trial run held in conjunction with the Games committee last month.

PNGPCL intensifies fight against TB

TESTING for tuberculosis (TB) has been made compulsory for all PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) staff this year.

And to leave no stone unturned,

PNGPCL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Alphonse, also assured staff that the company would cover any costs associated if the test results recommended

referrals.

This came on the eve of the World TB Day when Mr Alphonse announced the company’s aim to intensify the fi ght

against TB and tackle the dangers of TB seriously.

“Testing will be compulsory and all staff in head office and our 15 ports nationwide will make time available for testing,” Mr Alphonse said.

“Company will be responsible for any referrals through the staff medical and life insurance covers going forward,” he said.

To commemorate World TB Day on March 24, as well as compliment the governments’ drive to fi nd, cure and treat all TB cases, PNGPCL Head Office and Port Moresby port staff underwent the TB tests from March 24 to 26 with the rest of the other ports to follow.

“As you all might be aware, management has taken the necessary actions to ensure all staff within POM Port and the Head office undergo TB testing as part of its efforts to ensuring that we are proactive in our approach to combating such deadly diseases,” said Mr Alphonse.

“This is also to demonstrate that

management is serious about the health and welfare of its staff and will therefore take all necessary actions to ensure these are not compromised, hence the testing which were conducted,” he added.

Mr Alphonse said with the spread of TB, lives were at stake and PNGPCL was joining the government, NGO’s, corporate entities, health institutions, and the rest of the world in the unified fi ght against TB. However, these efforts are not new as PNGPCL began the war many years ago and this was made concrete with a TB policy put in place in 2009.

Apart from the policy is the compulsory free medical check-ups provided by PNGPCL for all staff and TB checks are an essential part of the package.

TB has, over time, slowly etched its way right across PNG, and despite the millions of money spent, extensive medical research conducted, and several programs rolled out, TB has become a health burden for the country.

FERRY TO MARKET

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS BRIEFS

THE ELC–PNG National Church Council has decided to restart Lutheran Shipping Services. It will have a new 38-metre roll-on-roll off catamaran, combined 150 passenger-cargo vessel built for delivery in PNG waters by the fi rst week of December.

PUBLIC Enterprises Minister, Ben Micah, says PNG Power is now ‘in the black’, after collecting outstanding debts, a report on the way the future for the company and electricity services will go to Cabinet. Micah said the state of emergency for the company is now over and has achieved its purpose.

TWELVE participants of the Senior Leadership Development Workshop, conducted last month by Deloitte in conjunction with Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC), have been awarded certificates for their participation. They included John Tangit (PNG Power) Sundar Ramamurthy (bmobile-Vodafone), Daniel Wanma (LinkPNG), Joseph Kintau (Government & External Relations), Une O’Ome, (DataCo PNG).Dr Fifaia Matainaho (Eda Ranu), Desmond Yaninem (National Development Bank), Amos Tepi (Post PNG), Jeffrey Bean (Telikom PNG), Billy Imar (Water PNG) and Evangeline Taunao (SOE operations).

AN OUTBOARD dinghy about to ferry Kabo villagers of South Coast Morobe, Huon Gulf district of Morobe province across the fierce mouth of Waria River recently. The villagers cross to the other side of the river to their marketing at Tapore Primary School on to Sappo village and return to their village. Picture: FRANCO NEBAS

Province backs SCA implementation

THE Sandaun Provincial Government is fully supportive of implementing the Small Craft Act (SCA) 2011.

Sandaun is among 10 other provinces that have made submissions of nominees of Small Craft Registration Board Members, Registrar and Inspectors to implement and administer the SCA.

Milne Bay and West New Britain

Provinces are well established and ready to start the commencement and enforcement of Small Craft registration and licensing while the National Capital District, Gulf and East Sepik Provinces have yet to set up the necessary legal administrative framework to administer the Act.

The SCA 2011 is an initiative of the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) in partnership with Maritime Provinces to ‘Promote Safety First at Sea’.

Under these recently gazetted Laws, the provincial administrations are required to set up and establish Small Craft Boards and appoint a registrar and inspectors to ensure that small craft owners and operators operating in their respective provinces register their small crafts and license their operators and crafts;

SCA 2011 will be implemented in three (3) phases as follows:

Stage 1-The setting up of the necessary legal administration to implement the Act (commencement of provincial small craft boards, registrars, inspectors);

Stage 2- The commencement and enforcement of Small Craft registration requirements; and

Stage 3 - The commencement and enforcement of licensing and other remaining provisions.

The Sandaun provincial administration is a good example of a provincial administration seeking to fulfi l its obligations. The administration is progressing well towards the implementation of the SCA by having in place initiatives such as setting up of billboards carrying safety messages and public awareness information associated to the Act, the nomination of Provincial Small Craft Officials and the allocation of resources and office space for the Small Craft Registry.

This was revealed to NMSA’s Small

Craft project team during their recent visit to the province. During the visit, several meetings were held with the relevant agencies including a meeting with the acting Provincial Administrator, Mr Conrad Tilau who has thrown his support to have his administration fully engage in implementing the SCA 2011.

The provincial administration has also prepared a policy paper consisting of nominees of Board members, registrar and inspectors and is ready to be submitted to the Provincial Executive Council for endorsement and approval. NMSA General Manager/CEO, Mr Paul. M. Unas has applauded the efforts of the prepared provinces and said these provinces had shown strong commitment to improving the maritime safety of their people by ensuring that their province is administratively ready to carry out its role under the SCA.

He said: “The NMSA is resourced and ready to support the Maritime Provinces get ready to administer the Act but ultimately it is the provinces’ responsibility to request that support and co-operate with the Authority.” Mr Unas said that not all provinces were ready to administer the Small Craft Act even though administering the Act would provide the provinces with a good source of revenue which in turn could be used to strengthen provincial search and rescue capability.

The NMSA encourages all maritime communities and leaders to encourage their Provincial Administration to prioritise their preparations to administer the Small Craft Act.

MR TILAU, NMSA Safety Eduction Officer Ishmael Kawi and Provincial Revenue Manager Denny Welly after the brief discussion at the PA’s office.

ONE of the billboard carrying safety message and public information associated to the SCA at the main boat stop for boat travelling to Aitape and to Wewak

Firm outlines projects

erations of Kiunga and Tabubil for the periods when the river levels go low and ships can’t come up.

“When the river goes dry, which happened in ’97, the mine shuts down, so they can’t afford to get into that situation.

“Another interesting project we are working on is a pilot track from near Tabubil to Telefomin in the Sanduan Province.

“This will be a challenge, as the route will have to cross the ‘Hindenberg Wall’ of the mountain range of the same name.” Frieda River

CURTAIN Bros has been involved in helping develop the now government-owned Ok Tedi copper Mine in the mid1980s, Business Advantage PNG (BAPNG) reported in January.

These days, its involvement in Ok Tedi is limited to pit services work and maintaining the main road between Kiunga and Tabubil.

“We’re also doing the Kiunga sewerage project and we’re building a road from Aiambak to Lake Murray in the Western

Province, to the east of the Fly River.

“That is an interesting project because there’s no gravel in the Western Province, so we have to ship gravel in from Port Moresby, up into Aiambak, and then cart it to build the road,”

Curtain Bros General Manager

Justin McGann told BAPNG.

“We’re also building a pilot road from Lake Murray to Kiunga to come in on the south side of Kiunga to try and droughtproof the towns and mining op-

As well as the Ok Tedi mine, Curtain Bros has also been involved with developing most of PNG’s major mines: Lihir, Porgera, Misima and Tolukuma.

It also has its eyes on the Frieda River gold-copper project, located on the border of the Sandaun and East Sepik provinces.

“We’d be very keen to be involved with the new Frieda River Project because that’s in our neck of the woods, and some of the shareholders at our subsidiary company, Starwest, come from Sandaun Province.”

Source: BAPNG newsletter

REFUEL AT SEA

AN OUTBOARD motor dinghy stops to refuel between the seas of Salamaua and Morobe Patrol Post LLG near Lababia Island. It took about four hours to reach Morobe Patrol Post in good weather but it’s a different story during bad weather. Picture: FRANCO NEBAS

THE Aiambak to Lake Murray road construction. Picture: BAPNG

549 students to obtain trade skills

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

549 students have been given the ok to obtain trade skills under the sponsor of Member for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko through the TVET program announced TVET scholarships Coordinator Rose Hauga.

“Children in Moresby South have been given the chance to attain trades skills certificates in various courses to help them further their education,” said Hagua. She added that currently the demand for such programs was very high and additional funding was needed to cater for the other 534 individuals wanting to participate in the skills training program.

Hagua said, “We are thankful to our member Justin Tkatchenko for his continuous support and recognising the need for such programs

in the community.”

She added that the rise of the LNG project has seen the increase in the demand for trade skills persons and Moresby south is proud to be contributing to this sector through its TVET programs.

“Through the TVET program students can enrol in courses such as basic book keeping, tourism & hospitality, heavy machine operators, electronics and home economics,” said Hagua Hagua added that other programs being sponsored by the Moresby South Member include the school fee assistance program and the skills training program however funding was a problem.

She added that once funding is made available, there will be enough room to cater for more students wanting to enrol in this programs.

Youths urged to behave in preparation for Games

YOUTHS in the National Capital District have been told to behave come the beginning of the Pacific Games, announced NCD Youth Desk Coordinator Rex Buka. National Capital District Commission Youth Desk has taken on board the responsibility of educating the youths on safety during the pacific Games along with partners, Marie Stopes and Pacific Games Committee.

“As we draw close to the Pacific Games youths in the city need to be educated and made aware on the type of behaviour they should display when the Pacific Games is on,” Buka said.

“We want to tell youths that the Pacific Games is all about forging friendships, learning about each others cultures, sharing

More dropouts annually, says principal

BY DIANNE WAKETSI

STATISTICS have proven that the education system produces thousands of school dropouts annually announced Director of PNG Life Education Institute or PNGLEI Rei Gini.

“The situation will get worse since the government’s free education policy pushes for all children to continue to year 12, thus the next four years will see a whooping 100,000 grade 12 school leavers forced out of the education system,” said Gini.

and being one Pacific nation,” he added.

Buka said that since security during the Pacific Games will be tight, educating the youths on how to safe and not get involved in illegal activities during that time.

He added that young people and youths must use this time productively and positively, engage in community development projects, be model citizens and future roll models for younger children in their communities.

Buka added that our partners also help during the awareness campaign educating youths on family planning issues by Marie Stopes and bringing the spirit of the games to the people through the Pacific Games Mascot Tura by the Pacific Games Committee.

Ten sex complaints prove doctor’s guilt

PERTH: The testimony of several women claiming a doctor inappropriately touched their genitals and breasts during medical examinations overwhelmingly proves his guilt, a Perth court has heard.

Ranjit Kumar Panda is on trial facing 25 charges, including indecent assault and sexual penetration without consent, allegedly committed against 10 women in Bunbury in 2012.

In her closing address on Monday, prosecutor Amanda Forrester told the West Australian District Court that each complainant was credible and convincing.

She said there were common themes in each woman’s account and their combined evidence provided an “over-

whelming web of proof” of Panda’s guilt.

In contrast, Panda’s testimony had inconsistencies and he was “utterly lacking” in credibility, she said.

Ms Forrester said suggestions the women had concocted stories on Facebook lacked substance.

Equally, it was “ridiculous” to suggest a conspiracy by other doctors who were jealous of Panda, describing it as a “house of cards built on a foundation of marbles”.

Ms Forrester said one woman who cried while testifying was clearly recalling a real memory.

She said it was an “absurd coincidence” that three women testified Panda wanted to buy them clothes. -AAP

Aust orders new cockpit rules

AUSTRALIA has ordered that two people remain in the cockpit at all times during commercial flights, after last week’s Germanwings crash.

Transport Minister Warren Truss said the rules would apply to all domestic and international passenger planes carrying 50 people or more.

The rules would take effect immediately, he said in a statement.

Investigators believe the co-pilot of the Germanwings plane deliberately crashed the aircraft.

Flight 4U 9525, heading to Dus-

seldorf from Barcelona, came down on Tuesday in the French Alps killing all 150 on board.

A German newspaper has reported that the pilot of the plane, locked out of the cockpit by the co-pilot while he went to the toilet, tried desperately to get back in as the plane descended.

The Australian move to implement what is known as the “rule of two” will affect carriers including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia.

“The airlines will be acting immediately to implement this change and we’d expect to see

this policy in place within hours on our major airlines,” Warren Truss, who is also the deputy prime minister, told journalists.

The rules would be reviewed in 12 months, he said.

The “rule of two” is common in the US, where members of the cabin crew enter the cockpit while one of the pilots is absent. Airlines in Canada and New Zealand have also adopted the rule in recent days. On Friday, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also recommended airlines adopt such a system.

-BBC news

Australia gets controversial data law

AUSTRALIA has passed a controversial security law that will require its internet and mobile phone providers to store customer data for two years.

The government bill got Senate approval by 43 votes to 16, with the support of the opposition Labor party.

Internet providers and and mobile phone networks will now be required to store customers’ metadata - the sender, recipient and time of emails and calls.

Metadata does not include the content of an email or telephone call. The Green Party voted

against the bill, along with six independent senators.

A number of amendments proposed by Green and independent senators - including an increased requirement for warrants in order to access data - were defeated by the Senate.

The government has argued that the bill is necessary to help Australia’s security services fight domestic terrorism.

“By passing this Bill, the parliament has ensured that our security and law enforcement agencies will continue to have access to the information they need to do their

jobs,” said Attorney-General George Brandis and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull in a joint statement.

“No responsible government can sit by while those who protect us lose access to vital information, particularly in the current high threat environment.”

But the legislation has been heavily criticised by privacy advocates, which have warned it could be open to abuse.

Greens Party senator Scott Ludlam, who voted against the bill, described the new law as “a form of mass surveillance”. -BBC

GERMANWINGS Flight 4U 9525 crashed in the French Alps last week, killing all 150 people on board. Picture: BBC

Ice addiction led man to assault of tourist says Court

A MAN’S ice addiction led him to violently raping and beating a Dutch tourist he had taken hostage during a six-week ordeal at a Melbourne hotel, a court has been told.

Alfio Granata, 47, has pleaded guilty to 14 charges, including multiple rapes, threats to kill, and intentionally causing serious injury.

The victim was left with 54 separate injuries after she was repeatedly beaten unconscious, violently raped and cut with a knife.

Granata’s lawyer argued the “copious amounts” of ice he took daily explained his extreme behaviour.

However, the judge said there could have been a cocktail of reasons for his brutal behaviour including jealousy, anger, and sadomasochistic tendencies.

In a recorded victim impact statement, the woman said she could not believe she survived and could not grasp the injustice carried out against her.

She told Granata her scars remind her everyday of what a sick person he is. -ABC

Child abuse high in rural areas

FAMILY violence is widely tolerated in remote indigenous communities, an Australian Crime Commission taskforce has found.

In some communities, the taskforce found, every person has reportedly been affected by child sexual abuse as a victim, a perpetrator, or a relative.

The commission’s National Indigenous Intelligence Taskforce investigated crime in remote communities from 2006 to 2014.

Fairfax Media Australia obtained the taskforce’s report under Freedom of Information laws.

The taskforce also paints a troubling picture of family life in remote communities, and an inability to respond while under-reporting remains rife.

“The marginalised, closed and insular nature of some communities often allows domestic violence and child sexual abuse to go unchallenged,” the report found.

“Family loyalties can be given priority over the safety and protection of victims, while many perpetrators exploit cultural obligations to protect themselves. There are clear links between suicide and self-harm and domestic violence, relationship breakdowns, early life trauma from child abuse, and associated alcohol and substance abuse.”

The taskforce found that increased access to the internet, smart phones, and social media was fuelling youth

violence, which often lead to interfamily violence.

Some indigenous children were also displaying highly sexualised behaviour from a young age, according to the report.

“Problem sexual behaviours and sexual abuse behaviours aimed at other children are probably much more common than other forms of sexual abuse.

“[It] is often confused with childhood experimentation or underage sex, which can lead to [it] being perceived as permissible and without consequences.”

The taskforce visited regional towns or indigenous communities in every state and territory, but focused on Arnhem Land and the Barkly region (Northern Territory), the APY Lands (South Australia), the Kimberley region (Western Australia), and western New South Wales. -Stuff news

Quick news

GUN CHALLENGE

THE Northern Marianas police chief, James Deleon Guerrero, wants a second challenge to the islands’ law banning the ownership of handguns dismissed, Radio New Zealand International reports. A former US army ranger Paul Michael Murphy is suing the police commissioner for US$5million (K13.6m) over the alleged confiscation of his firearms and ammunition in 2007. Mr Deleon Guerrero asserts the US district court for the NMI lacks jurisdiction in this matter.

FLAG DEBATE

FIJI’S main opposition party say the government should be consistent on the policy to change the country’s flag. The prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, announced in late February that the flag would change, and a national design competition is now underway. The Sodelpa party says the government is acting as if it is still a dictatorship, after it dismissed a petition filed in Parliament calling for a referendum, RNZI reports. The MP who presented the 1,500 signature petition, Bill Gavoka, says while the government has called for designs, it has also stated the iconic blue colour will remain, so to avoid changes to references to the colour in the national anthem.

PROJECT PROGRESSING

THE laying of new water ringmains around the Cook Islands main island of Rarotonga is now more than 50 per cent complete, RNZI reports. The work is part of the $64 million (K174.3m) Te Mato Vai project. The project manager Russell Abrams says the contractors are making good progress during fine weather, and pressure testing shows that the new pipe is meeting the required standard for watertightness. He says 35km of pipe had been laid.

ALFIO Granata has pleaded guilty to 14 charges over the incident at a Preston Hotel. Picture: ABC

entertainment

For advertising, call 309 1118 or email akwara@spp.com.pg

For editorial, call 309 1184 or email pmarilyn@spp.com.pg

“BECAUSE of music piracy and what it has contributed to the declining interest in the PNG music scene, I am not based in one location but travel around to remote places to record bands that do not have access to studios in urban areas”, says Ilai

Ephraim, Ocean Waves engineer and owner.

It has become a norm in PNG for small studios to be mobile. Why not? With easy access to the latest technology, equipment for multimedia purposes is very cheap that nearly ten out

of every hundred people have laptops and music software to record and produce music and video clips. “Ocean Waves” studio is no exception.

The studio was named as such because of the owners’ close proximity to the ocean. Ilai

Ephraim founded the studio in 2005 in Kulangit village in New Ireland.

Ilai was mentored by music legends such as his uncles late John Wong and Thomas Lulungan but continued to work quietly under their wings until he himself thought the time was right to start his own studio project in Ocean Waves.

Ilai was around 16 years old when he came to Port Moresby to live with his uncle Thomas Lulungan.

Lulungan was then the Chief Sound Engineer with CHM Supersounds Studio. He accompanied his uncle to and from the CHM Studios for five years or so before moving back to Rabaul.

When John Wong left Pacific Gold Studios to join CHM Supersounds in 1988, Ilai stuck to him also and because of his interest he was mentored and assisted both John and Thomas as an unofficial assistant sound engineer using the analogue recording system.

He learnt the ropes by assisting along with setting up the drums, guitars and other instruments as well as sitting in on every recording and mixdown session until he could be trusted to work with less supervision from the senior engineers.

Ilai never looked back and as soon as he saved enough money to start up his own project in 2005, he pro-

ceeded to record and mix down some of PNG’s top bands.

Other albums proper under his own label are “Nipsquo band” of New Ireland, “Island Tribes” of Anir island, Kol Menghand Crew of Pomio, IRC band of ENB and Pom Kands of Kandrian in West New Britain Province.

When asked about his opinion on the current music piracy scare in the PNG music industry he had this to say, “We cannot get rid of music piracy nor can we blame anyone about letting it spin out of control. What we need to do is learn how to live with it. It is just like Climate Change or Global warming. We must find ways to adapt to the changing environment and if we cannot beat it, we find ways to get around it in order to live comfortably alongside it”.

It is for this reason that Ilai, a school drop-out; strived to educate himself up to develop his mind about many things including developing means of piracy protection in music duplication and file sharing in order to help other industry sufferers to survive.He is currently working on and developing a VSTI plugging which can be used in any DAW (Digital Audio Works Station, FL Studio, Reason, Adobe Audition 3.0 and many rewired applications.

‘Furious 7’ to hit cinemas

ALL roads lead to this. Universal dropped the first trailer for the wildly anticipated Furious 7, the continuation of the muscle-car soap opera which encountered far too many obstacles on the path through production but is not revving up all engines in preparation for its April 3, 2015 release date

The death of Paul Walker meant that Furious 7’s shoot was saddled with heartache. The first trailers and posters for the seventh installment to the hugely popular franchise have looked to pay their respects to their fallen comrade. None more so than the film’s most recent poster.

There’s something delightfully touching about the new Furious 7 poster.

Not only is it wrought with emotion, but it is also features a nice

doff of the hat to Paul Walker following his untimely demise. In fact, it’s pretty much perfect. From Vin Diesel’s solemnly tilted head to Paul Walker standing defiantly, all the way through to the poignant tagline of, “One Last Ride.” It’s making me well-up just looking at it. Paul Walker’s death on November 30, 2013, came halfway through filming for the Furious 7. Because of Walker’s passing, filming was delayed so that re-writes could be conducted, and his brothers, Caleb and Cody Walker, were brought in as stand-ins for the actor’s unfilmed scenes.

Furious 7’s latest trailer was released earlier this week. Naysayers of the franchise won’t have been won over by it.

www.cinemablend.com

Original Painim Wok band with E. Suisui

THE much publicized original Painim Wok band re-union has included yet another member in Erex Suisui. Erex Suisui comes from Namatanai village of the New Ireland Province. A song-writer and solo artist in his own right, Erex was recording with his group from Namatanai when founder of Painim Wok, John Warbat recruited him to become the next main singer of the band in 1993. Telek left the band to join CHM Supersounds slightly before that time, leav-

ing the vacancy. At the time Suisui was recruited, Warbat was already a sound engineer with Pacific Gold Studio in Rabaul. Painim Wok’s album titled “Seious Tam”, volume 12; became an instant hit through the title song itself and “Talaigu”. “Seious tam” and “Talaigu” were released as a medley in a video clip shot around Malaguna road and Mango Avenue before the destructive twin volcanic eruptions a year later.

Following the success of “Serious Tam” Suisui and

SNAPSHOTS ... SNAPSHOTS

Painim Wok band recorded volume 13, titled, “MalagirInogut o”. Malagir was the name of a popular dance spot in Karavi village in Kokopo.”Malagirinogut o” was actually the last album recorded and released by Painim Wok band before the volcanic eruptions took away the beautiful town of Rabaul along with the studio.

Erex Suisui’s repertoire brought out the “Namatanai” style of music that was born out of this eastern region of New Ireland. Reflecting the

traditional style of strong vocal presentation in the Tubuan society and other traditional folk songs of the region, Erex was the debuting sensation of a style different from the Tolai repertoire at the climax of contemporary popular music from the New Guinea Islands Region. Prompted by Erex Suisui’s popularity in these two albums, a string of raw talents from the area followed suit but whose probable successes were unfortunatelydisturbed bythe eruptions in Septem-

ber, 1994. Following the consecutive successes of the two Painim Wok releases, Suisui’s popularity and demand for his unique “Namatanai sound” was sealed. He continued; this time with his solo act in a gospel album titled, “Surrender” in Pacific Gold Port Moresby Branch after the eruptions.

The coming retirement concerts will feature all Painim Wok, Telek’s and ErexSuisui hit songs. Mostly all songs to be played live are songs that are considered “cleans

songs”. Compared to the current trend of song-writing by our new generation, especially Tolai and New Ireland musicians and song-writers; lyrics of the old do not contain degrading remarks –rather, lyrics and meanings are hidden and replaced by synonyms. About 75 per cent of the material maybe representative of daily life and events as depicted in the period between 1983 and the millennium and are not as harmful as some of today’s compositions.

FRIENDS posing for that memorable short @ Jais Aben Resort in Madang Province.

GRAND Papua staff posing for the camera.

GIRLS from Mondopa village in Enga Province make a fire with smiley faces.

brothers

Torrential rain prompts flood alert

A flood alert has been issued in Indian-administered Kashmir following torrential rain and a surge in the water level of the Jhelum river.

Authorities have asked people living near the river to leave their homes and move to safer places.

At least 10 people are missing after landslides buried a number of houses.

The alert comes after more than 250 people died in September in what was described as the worst flooding in the region in half a century.

The deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir state,

Nirmal Singh, said the authorities were on “full alert” after heavy rain in the Kashmir Valley and the “situation is being monitored continuously”.

Senior police official Javid Mujtaba Gillani told the AFP news agency that rescue workers were trying to find out “10 to 12 people” buried under mudslides in Chadoora, some 15km (10 miles) west of the main city of Srinagar.

More than 200 families have been moved from low-lying areas to tents, government buildings and to the homes

of their relatives on higher ground.

Many areas of Srinagar are already under water.

The main road connecting Srinagar with Jammu has been closed following landslides and authorities have issued avalanche warnings in seven districts, reports say.

Forecasters are predicting more rain this week.

Last September’s floods affected more than 1.2 million people and damaged more than 180,000 houses in the state.

-BBC news

Blogger hacked to death

DHAKA: A blogger has been hacked to death in the Bangladesh capital, in the latest brutal attack on the country’s independent writers, a senior officer said.

Police have arrested two men over the murder on Monday which comes just weeks after an American atheist blogger was also hacked to death in Dhaka, a crime that triggered international outrage, the officer said.

“He was brutally hacked to death this morning with big knives just 500 yards (460 metres) from his home at Dhaka’s Begunbari area,” local police chief Wahidul Islam said.

Islam said the men were arrested immediately after the attack trying to flee the scene.

Police said they were unsure whether the victim, Washiqur Rahman, 27, was also an atheist blogger but another social media writer said that he was known to write “against religious fundamentalism”.

“It appeared Rahman used to write using a pen name Kutshit Hasher Chhana (Ugly Duckling),” Imran Sarker, head of Blogger and Online Activists Network in Bangladesh, told AFP.

“He was a progressive free thinker and was against religious fundamentalism,” he said.

Police have also arrested a suspect over the killing in February of American atheist writer and blogger Avijit Roy.

Roy was the second atheist blogger to have been murdered in the Muslim-majority country in the last two years and the fourth writer to have been attacked since 2004.

His killing sparked an uproar at home and abroad with hundreds of secular activists holding protests for days to demand justice.

They also slammed the country’s secular government for not doing enough to protect humanist writers. -AAP news

India mudslides trap 10

SRINAGAR: At least 10 people have been buried by mudslides and hundreds more have been evacuated after heavy rain triggered flooding in Indian Kashmir, police say.

Mudslides buried at least four houses on Monday in Chadoora, the worst hit area of the Himalayan region where hundreds were killed in devastating floods last September.

“Ten to 12 people have been buried under mudslides. A rescue operation is under way,” Javid Mujtaba Gillani, inspector general of police for the region, told AFP.

Police said 237 families had been evacuated, most of them from Chadoora, around 15 kilometres west of the main city of Srinagar.

Authorities issued an alert asking people living near the river to move to safer areas and set up relief camps in Srinagar, after the river Jhelum swelled to dangerously high levels. -AAP news

Picture: BBC

Nuclear talks intensify as key deadline nears

INTENSIVE talks have resumed in Switzerland ahead of Tuesday’s deadline for a nuclear deal with Iran.

Ministers from six world powers are expected to hold their first full session on Monday with Iran’s foreign minister.

The essence of an emerging deal is to keep Iran at least one year away from being able to produce enough nuclear fuel for a single weapon.

In return, Iran would see an easing of economic sanctions.

Iran denies trying to develop nuclear arms saying its programme is peaceful.

Representatives from the US, Germany, France, the UK, China and Russia are at the talks in Lausanne.

Arab league to create military force

THE heads of Arab League countries meeting in Egypt have agreed to create a joint Arab military force.

The League has been meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh amid a crisis in Yemen and the threat of jihadists who have made major gains in Iraq, Syria and Libya.

However, establishing the make-up and remit of the force could take months, analysts say.

A 10-nation, Saudi-led coalition is currently carrying out air strikes against rebels in Yemen.

The strikes are in support of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, who fled after gains by the Shia Houthi rebels.

Correspondents have described the conflict as a proxy war between Sunni Arab nations and Shia Iran.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said: “The Arab leaders have decided to agree on the principle of a joint Arab military force.”

Like everyone else, President Sisi sees plenty to worry about as he looks across the Middle East. He describes the growing threats to the region as “unprecedented”. -BBC

March against terrorism

The two sides have explored compromises in areas including the number of centrifuges used to enrich uranium that Iran could operate, and its nuclear enrichment work for medical research. Restrictions on Iran’s nuclear work could last at least a decade, and include rigorous inspections.

Despite progress, disagreements remain on how long Iran would be subject to constraints, and on the speed of sanctions’ relief, says the BBC’s Barbara Plett Usher in Lausanne.

At their meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the other representatives will be aiming to agree on a political framework by Tuesday night

that would set the stage for technical talks.

US officials said all parties have agreed to a “step-by-step approach” to reaching a deal, but sticking points remain.

Negotiators are close, closer than ever before, in their 12year stand-off over Iran’s nuclear programme. But a deal is still not done, and no-one can say with 100% certainty if it will be.

With each day that slips by before an end-of-March deadline for a framework agreement, the political temperature rises against the serene backdrop of the snow-capped Swiss Alps. As foreign ministers and officials stream in and out of meetings in the gilded Beau Rivage, snippets and statements to the persist-

ent press play into 11th-hour brinkmanship. The last difficult details are as much about political power as they are about nuclear energy. Both Iran and world powers urge the other side to make tough decisions. All say they’ve come here, hoping to make a deal, to make history. Beyond this rarefied world, sceptics wait in many capitals, ready to react if, in their view, a bad deal emerges. Reaching what counts as a “good deal” for all will go right down to the wire and, possibly, beyond.

The world powers, known as the P5+1 group - the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany - want to ensure that Iran cannot develop nuclear

weapons. Iran is hoping that a deal will lead to the lifting of international sanctions that are affecting its economy.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said there had been “some progress and some setbacks in the last hours”.

“I can’t rule out that there will be further crises in these negotiations,” he told reporters in Lausanne.

Other potential sticking points include how much of Iran’s nuclear facilities will be open to inspection.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has again warned against a deal with Iran, describing the deal under discussion as worse than his country had feared. -BBC news

TENS of thousands of Tunisians marched through the capital in a show of solidarity against terrorism, hours after the government said its forces had killed nine members of a group suspected of carrying out this month’s deadly Bardo Museum attack

Some 12,000 people chanted “Tunisia is free! Terrorism out!” and waved Tunisian flags as they marched to the Bardo Museum, where foreign tourists were killed in a terrorist attack on March 18.

Australian dual national Javier Camelo and his mother were among 22 people killed at the national museum near the Tunisian parliament.

“The Tunisian people have proven that they will not give in to terrorism,” president Beji Caid Essebsi said after joining the march with foreign dignitaries. -BBC news

Israeli former prime minister guilty of corruption

JERUSALEM: A Jerusalem court has found former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert guilty of corruption over allegations that he received envelopes of cash from a US businessman.

The former premier, who already faces a six-year prison sentence in a separate bribery case that he has appealed to the supreme court, will be sentenced on May 5, media reports said on Monday. Olmert’s lawyers said he would appeal the latest conviction.

The 69-year-old had initially been acquitted of fraud and corruption in the case, escaping with a $19,000 fine and a suspended jail sentence for breach of trust in 2012. But new evidence came to light during his trial in the other corruption case and prosecutors again pressed the two more serious charges.

In return for a reduction in sentence, his former secretary and confidante Shula Zaken revealed that secret tape recordings existed of conversations between her

and Olmert about the tens of thousands of dollars that he was alleged to have received from businessman Morris Talansky while trade and industry minister in the early 2000s.

The six-year prison sentence handed down against Olmert in May last year was the first ever against a former Israeli premier for corruption.

After a two-year trial, he was convicted of taking bribes to the tune of 560,000 shekels ($A206,358) while mayor of Jerusalem between 1993 and

2003 from the developers of the city’s massive Holyland residential complex.

The towering construction project, which dominates the city’s skyline, is seen as a major blot on the landscape and widely reviled as a symbol of high-level corruption.

The veteran centre-right politician, who was first elected to parliament in 1973, became premier in 2006 but resigned in September 2008 after police recommended that he be indicted in several graft cases. -AAP news

MINISTERS from six world powers in intensive talks over Iran nuclear programme. Picture: BBC

EHUD Olmert has faced a succession of corruption trials.

Picture: BBC

Count begins after close Nigeria vote

Kenyan ministers suspended over graft

KENYAN President Uhuru Kenyatta has suspended four cabinet ministers and 12 other high-ranking officials after they were implicated in corrupt deals.

A fifth minister stepped aside earlier.

The officials were mentioned in a report handed to parliament by the president this week.

Some had defied the president’s order to step aside and allow investigations into corrupt dealings in ministries that include transport, energy, labour and agriculture.

Those suspended were named earlier this week in a report by the country’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

President Kenyatta has given the commission 60 days to investigate the allegations levelled against the officials.

The BBC’s Emmanuel Igunza in Nairobi says Kenya has long grappled with sleaze in government, blamed for the loss of millions of dollars each year.

–BBC

Guinea declares Ebola emergency

COUNTING is under way

in Nigeria’s presidential election, with the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan facing a strong challenge from former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.

The election commission (Inec) said it hoped to announce the winner on Monday.

The UN has praised the poll despite technical hitches, protests and violence linked to Boko Haram.

Voting spilled into a second day in some parts of Nigeria after problems with new electronic card readers.

President Jonathan was among those unable to cast his vote using the technology, which was introduced to prevent fraud.

PRESIDENTIAL CADIDATES: Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Congress (APC), Muslim northerner, ex-military ruler, fourth presidential bid, and Goodluck Jonathan, People’s Democratic Party, Christian southerner, the incumbent.

PARTY IN POWER: Years of military rule ended in 1999 and the People’s Democratic Party has been in power ever since.

ECONOMY: Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and leading oil producer.

POPULOUS: With a population of more than 170m, it is also Africa’s most populous nation.

ELECT: Voters are also electing members of the house of representatives and the senate.

CHALLENGE: The PDP has dominated Nigerian politics since 1999, but Gen Buhari’s All Progressives Congress is viewed as a serious challenge.

His Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had opposed the card readers, called it a “huge national embarrass-

ment”.

The Inec chair, Attahiru Jega, stressed that only a fraction of the 150,000 card read-

ers being used nationwide had failed.

The vote had been delayed by six weeks because of the insurgency by Boko Haram militants.

The Islamists attacked polling stations in north-eastern states, with a curfew declared in Bauchi State after fighting between the security forces and the group.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised the “determination and resilience” of Nigerian voters, despite the reports of attacks by Boko Haram and others.

He said in a statement voting had been “largely peaceful and orderly”. His comments have been echoed by the regional bloc Ecowas, which urged Nigeri-

ans to accept the result.

But there has been tension in the southern Rivers State, where thousands protested against alleged killings of opposition workers and voting irregularities.

Inec said it was “concerned” by the complaints, adding that one of their offices was set on fire during the unrest.

Results of the voting were expected to arrive overnight but so far there is no official indication of which party is in the lead.

The PDP has dominated Nigerian politics since 1999, but Gen Buhari’s All Progressives Congress is viewed as a serious challenge. Voters are also electing members of the house of representatives and the senate. –BBC

GUINEAN President Alpha Conde has declared a 45day “health emergency” in five regions in the west and south-west of the country over Ebola.

The restrictions include the quarantining of hospitals and clinics where new cases are detected, new rules on burials and possible lockdowns.

The Ebola outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013.

In January, the World Health Organization reported a steady drop in cases in the three epicentre countries.

But renewed concern has been triggered by fresh setbacks in these countries - Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. –BBC

Mass rally in Tunis over Museum raid

THOUSANDS of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Tunis for an anti-terrorism march.

Chanting “Tunisia is free! Terrorism out!”, they marched to the Bardo Museum, the scene of an attack in which 21 tourists and a Tunisian died.

French President Francois Hollande and other world leaders attended a ceremony at the museum.

Hours earlier, Tunisian authorities said that they had killed one of the prime suspects in the attack.

The bottom line

Speaking at the museum, Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi paid tribute to his citizens’ defiance.

“The Tunisian people proved today that they do not bow to terrorism, and that as one man and one woman, they defend the nation. When Tunisia is targeted, the whole nation stands as one.”

Gunmen stormed the museum in Tunis on 18 March. British, Japanese, French, Italian and Colombian tourists were among the dead.

On Sunday, President Hollande announced that Hu-

guette Dupeu, a Frenchwoman injured in the attack, had died from her wounds.

As well as the French leader, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and other foreign dignitaries attended a ceremony at the museum where a stone tablet was dedicated to the memory of the attack victims.

Speaking at the ceremony President Hollande pledged France’s support.

“We had four French citizens killed there, victims of terrorism, so it was necessary to participate in this march,”

he said, adding: “Today it’s about Tunisia, and the values it represents in the Arab world and beyond.”

Demonstrators waved Tunisian flags and held up slogans of “Not Afraid” and “We Are Bardo” as they marched, surrounded by a heavy security presence.

“Terrorism is an international phenomenon, not a Tunisian one,” activist Ben Hazem told the BBC. “I think there should be solidarity and unity between us to fight terrorism.”

tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by an underwater earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption

THE hotly-contested election has been marred by problems with its voting system. Picture: AFP

–BBC POLICE estimates put the crowd at more than 10,000.

PM warns voters of ‘stark choice’ as election begins

DAVID Cameron is to tell voters they face a “stark choice” between him and Labour’s Ed Miliband as the election campaign officially gets under way.

The PM will visit the Queen for a final audience ahead of the 7 May poll, formally marking the end of the five-year coalition government.

French conservatives triumph over left

FRANCE’S opposition conservative UMP Party has made big gains in local elections, at the expense of the ruling Socialists.

The UMP, led by former President Nicolas Sarkozy, boosted the councils it controls from 40 to 67 in the vote.

President Francois Hollande’s Socialists and other leftists won 34 councils - down from 61 previously.

Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Front (FN) won at least 60 seats but failed to get control of any council.

The elections are seen as a key test of public opinion ahead of the 2017 presidential election.

Paris and Lyon, France’s two biggest cities, did not take part in Sunday’s election.

Mr Sarkozy, who secured the UMP leadership last November, said “never... has our political family won so many councils”.

He told his supporters that voters had “massively rejected the policies

of Francois Hollande and his government”.

Bastions of the Socialists like the Nord department around Lille swung to the right, as did President Hollande’s own fiefdom of the Correze in central France.

However, as ever in France’s tworound elections, voters from left and right united in round two to keep the FN from power, the BBC’s Hugh Schofield in Paris reports.

Ms Le Pen hailed a “historic” day for the FN, saying: “I thank all our voters for this magnificent success.”

“The goal is near, reaching power and applying our ideas to redress France.”

The FN made especially strong gains in Pas-de-Calais, in the far north, and Gard, in the south.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the French people “have declared... their anger at a daily life that is too difficult”. -BBC news

Pension data ‘sales’ investigated

AN investigation has been launched into claims the details of millions of people’s pensions are being sold to fraudsters and cold-calling firms.

Companies are selling information about people’s salaries, investment values and pension size for as little as 5p without consent, the Daily Mail said. It is feared it will be used to scam pensioners who can access their full pension pots under new rules in April.

Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, said he was investigating. He told the BBC that the claims were “very serious” and said he was in touch with the pensions regulator, the financial conduct authority and the police.

“There are lots of people trying to take advantage of leads that they get to sell you stuff,” he said.

“In this particular area with large sums of money at stake because of pensions liberalisation, the very simple message is don’t take big financial decisions on the back of a phone call.”

The Daily Mail said its undercover reporters were able to buy pension details by claiming they were from a cold-calling company.

The ICO has previously said the pension changes coming into effect on 6 April could lead to more people being conned.

Steve Eckersley, head of enforcement at the ICO, said the information being sold could be used to target people “at a critical point in their financial lives”

- and warned of a potentially “huge spike” in scam texts and calls.

–BBC

False allegations blight teaching

SCHOOLS in UK must ensure blameless members of staff do not have their careers wrecked by false allegations, a union’s annual conference will hear.

More than one in five education staff, surveyed by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said they had

At a glance

PLEDGE: Labour has pledged to raise living standards of everyday working people.

COST: Ensuring those with broad shoulders bear great burden.

Later, he is expected to say the UK is on the “right track” and a Labour government would be “economic chaos”.

Mr Miliband will say the Conservatives pose a clear “danger” to UK firms.

Setting out Labour’s policies on business, he is expected to warn that the PM’s promise of a referendum on Britain’s EU membership also risks an “extraordinary loss of British influence”.

Following months of unofficial campaigning, the five-and-a-half week race for No 10 begins in earnest after Parliament was dissolved under the terms of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act.

Government ministers remain in charge of their departments until

a new administration is formed but MPs will cease to be members of Parliament and writs will be issued for elections in all 650 constituencies.

Issues likely to dominate the campaign include the economy and spending cuts, Britain’s EU membership and immigration.

It’s all about you. Not them. You.

That’s worth remembering if/when you tire of all those politicians, soundbites and photo opportunities that will fill the airwaves - and your inbox - from the formal start of the campaign today, until polling day.

About you because a general election is one of those rare times when your voice counts as much as any-

one else’s. About you because you have the chance to help choose who represents you and your community in Parliament.

About you because you can influence who will run the country for the next five years and, therefore, help shape what sort of country you live in.

Rarely has there been a choice so wide or one with an impact which could be so dramatic.

Labour said the economic recovery under the coalition has been the slowest in more than 100 years and resulted in a cost-of-living crisis.

It has pledged to raise living standards of “everyday working people by ensuring those with the broadest shoulders bear the greatest burden” while cutting the deficit and securing the future of the NHS.

But Labour’s economic credentials have been questioned by one of its leading donors, Dr Assem Allam, who told the Daily Telegraph that its plans for a “mansion tax” and a rise in the top rate of tax were “alienating” wealth-creators. –BBC

been falsely accused by a pupil.

And 38 per cent of 685 union members questioned said it had happened to a colleague.

The ATL conference is set to debate a call for all education staff accused of offences to be given anonymity in law.

NINA Bilbey puts the finishing touches to her statues of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, at Canterbury Cathedral. Picture: BBC

UMP leader Nicolas Sarkozy said voters had rejected the policies of President Hollande. Picture: BBC

Bodies found days after NY gas blast

TWO bodies have been found at the site of a massive gas explosion that flattened three buildings in New York on Thursday.

The bodies were found on Sunday, but no identities have been released.

Two people have been reported missing from a sushi restaurant hit by the blast: Nicholas Figueroa, who was on a date there, and a worker, Moises Lucon.

A further 22 people were injured in the explosion and subsequent fire, four critically.

Utility inspectors had declared plumbing and gas work inside one of the buildings faulty just an hour before the explosion, locking the line to ensure it would not be used and then leaving, officials said.

The blast that followed soon after left heaps of bricks and mangled debris across the street in Manhattan’s East Village.

Mr Figueroa’s date, who is being treated in hospital, remembers only stumbling out of the restaurant before losing consciousness.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said officials would investigate whether anyone had improperly tapped the gas supply prior to the blast, or if there were technical faults that caused the explosion.

–BBC

Air Canada plane ‘exits’ runway while landing

AN Air Canada aeroplane “exited” the runway while landing at Halifax airport, the airline says.

The A320 Airbus was carrying 133 passengers and five crew. A total of 23 were taken to hospital for observation and treatment for minor injuries.

Flight AC624 from Toronto arrived shortly after midnight (04:00 GMT) and reportedly hit a power pylon after landing.

There were stormy conditions at the time, with snow on the ground.

Power at Halifax Stanfield International Airport was knocked out but Nova Scotia Power says that it has been restored.

Passengers said the plane skidded on its undercarriage before coming to a stop.

Randy Hall told Associated Press: “We were just coming in to land and there was a big flash. The plane came down, bang! It jumped up in the air again.”

Businessman Mike Magnus told the agency: “It was so chaotic at the time. I’m pretty sure the landing gear broke. The engine on my side popped off.”

Passengers were taken from the plane immediately but had to stand on the tarmac in the snow until buses arrived.

Eighteen of the people taken to hospital have already been released.

Peter Spurway, a spokesman for Halifax Stanfield, said two people had required “urgent care.”

–BBC

Apple boss to donate $800m

THE chief executive of Apple, Tim Cook, has announced he is donating most of his wealth to charity before he dies.

The head of the world’s most profitable company is worth over K2141.76m.

Mr Cook told Fortune Magazine that he would leave his wealth to philanthropic causes but not before paying

for his 10-year-old nephew’s college education. He joins a growing number of the world’s super-rich who are giving away their wealth, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Five years ago, billionaire investor Warren Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates launched the campaign The Giving Pledge. –BBC

A COLLECTION of costumes and props from hit US drama Mad Men has been donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Cast members Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Christina Hendricks and creator Matthew Weiner attended an event in Washington to present the items to the museum. They included ad man Don Draper’s trademark grey suit and fedora and other real 1960s-period props. They will be featured as part of an exhibit on American culture in 2018.

MAD MEN PROPS DONATED TO MUSEUM

Three buildings were levelled in the gas explosion.

Solution to puzzle SL0883

stars

ARIES

March 20 - April 19

You find few things more frustrating than being unable to express yourself. But either the risk of causing problems or need for diplomacy has forced you to hold back. While the move by the communication planet, Mercury, into Aries changes all that, it’s clear you must still consider your words carefully.

April 20 - May 19

Sometimes obstacles are exactly that. But this week they’re hinting at unresolved and, often, unacknowledged issues. Knowing that, instead of diplomatically ignoring tense moments, address them in a gentle but forthright manner. What you learn will, at minimum, be informative. However, in certain matters, the resulting insights could resolve longstanding concerns.

May 21 - June 20

While certain individuals are control freaks, and struggle with anybody else making even the most minor of decisions, you’re the reverse. If an individual is knowledgeable, you’ll happily leave things to them. However, certain matters are something else entirely. Let it be known you care, and before too much time passes.

June 21 - July 21

Recent discussions about previously worrying matters were positive, so much you’re inclined to take things to the next stage. Do exactly that, but say no more. Worrying as this slow pace is now, it forces others to respond, which in turn means they can’t blame you for forcing issues. This is crucial.

July 22 - August 22

It’s time for a clear out. This isn’t about your home. It’s about your priorities and objectives. True, many mean a lot to you, or they did when you first set them. But times have changed and so have you. Some of those once-prized goals are now no more than a distraction.

August 23 - September 22

Obviously life will be easier when others make decisions about potential changes and, should they proceed, the timing. But they’re not only short of facts, even if they did make plans, the current constantly shifting circumstances would mean rethinking everything. Take it slowly. Plans will be made once, and be lasting.

September 23 - October 22

Tensions on the family or domestic front have been a concern for ages, for so long, you doubt resolution is possible. Now sudden events are opening the door to discussion. Unrewarding as conversations in the past have been, things have changed enough issues could be put to rest swiftly and without drama.

October 23 - November 22

Planning ahead comes naturally to you. Once you know what you need to do, you organise your time accordingly. However carefully you think things through, it’s unlikely you’ll have anticipated the coming week’s twists and turns. Knowing that, ensure arrangements are flexible enough you can ride out changes, and stressfree.

November 23 - December 22

Many Sagittarians thrive on the unexpected and even on emotional dramas, at home and out in the world. You’re not only facing exactly such situations, as a result, you’re rethinking certain longstanding arrangements. Obviously, you’ll discuss these with others. Bear in mind, the individuals in question might need some reassurance.

December 21 - January 19

Every sign is influenced by this weekend’s eclipsed Full Moon. However, because it accents the structure of your life, you’re already experiencing some of the shakeups it will trigger. Unsettling as these are, they’re also giving you an excuse to undertake changes that, otherwise, certain individuals would have objected to.

January 20 - February 17

Nobody enjoys discussing new ideas, including what others are doing, more than an Aquarius. However, actually taking advice or suggestions from somebody else is quite another matter. Yet that’s exactly what you’re being urged to do. If things don’t work out, you can easily alter arrangements. But it’s unlikely you’ll want to.

February 18 - March

Although there are times when you’ve said more than you meant to, you’re usually extremely discreet. This is especially when it comes to details about the lives of others. Yet if you don’t reveal important facts about one individual, they’ll be misunderstood, if not judged. Ask how they feel about it.

Reds on a losing spree

AN injured playmaker, absent recruits, a drugs saga and one win from six games — it has been nothing short of a disastrous start to 2015 for the Queensland Reds.

Last Friday night’s loss to the Lions was a new low for the Reds, rooting them to the bottom of the Australian conference and increasing the heat on embattled coach Richard Graham.

But according to former Red and Fox Sports commentator Greg Martin, it could all have been avoided with the execution of one simple play.

“We wouldn’t even be worrying about this if that field goal had gone over,” Martin told foxsports.com.au, referring to Quade Cooper’s botched drop goal attempt in the dying seconds at Suncorp Stadium, consigning the Reds to an 18-17 defeat.

“If Will Genia had thrown that ball properly to Cooper we wouldn’t even be talking about the Reds.

“That pass was symptomatic of their season. The number of basic errors they have made passing, handling, tackling has been way too high. That was their best player making a basic error.”

But despite Cooper failing to convert a golden chance to snap the Reds losing streak, Martin says he is not to blame for their flailing fortunes on the field — even though he may be the root cause.

“Right from the pre-season, everything in their game was built around Quade Cooper. As soon as they lost him it was all over.

“From the minute he broke his collar bone they were in trouble.”

There is little doubt that Cooper is the Reds’ heartbeat.

Former coach Ewen McKenzie used to say that Cooper was always one of the loudest voices in team meetings and often decided how the Reds would play when on the field.

The Reds would roll with their playmaker’s intuition.

Ireland still strong

ROBBIE Brady was caught in possession, gifting Slawomir Peszko Poland’s 26th-minute opener.

Aiden McGeady went close for the Irish while Robbie Keane headed against a post with Seamus Coleman missing a great chance before Long’s late goal. The defeat leaves the Republic three points behind Poland.

World champions Germany and Scotland earned routine 2-0 and 6-1 Group D wins over Georgia and minnows Gibraltar respectively earlier in the day and it was vital that the Irish got something from the game.

The Republic stay fourth, two points behind Germany and the Scots with the Poles still leading Group D. Republic manager Martin O’Neill made a number of selection calls with keeper Shay Given handed his his 128th cap and Wes Hoolahan named in an attacking role alongside Robbie Keane as the side showed seven changes from the defeat by Scotland. With Stephen Ward having scarcely trained during the week because of injury, Hull winger Brady was named at leftback and his mistake allowed Peszko to put the Poles ahead on 26 minutes.

Aussie leads US PGA

AUSTRALIA’S Aaron Baddeley is the talk of the US PGA Tour after a scarcely believable birdie made him clubhouse leader in the Texas Open.

Baddeley pulled his tee shot out of bounds to the left on the 336-yard 17th hole at TPC San Antonio.

Forced to take a penalty and tee up again, he holed his second drive

for a birdie three. It’s believed to be only the second time in US PGA Tour history that a player has holed out from the tee on a par four.

However the wayward first drive means it doesn’t compare with Andrew Magee’s hole in one albatross in 2001.

Baddeley finished with a four-under-par 68 to be the early first round clubhouse leader.

Tomic disappoints fans

While watching last Friday night’s catastrophe unfold, it became apparent to Martin that his old side were once again throwing all of their eggs into one basket.

“With eight minutes to go they were one point behind. They should have sorted themselves out, been patient and won that game.

“But they all looked around and expected Quade to star. There was so much pressure on him through the week to be the saviour and the Reds bought into that.”

But one thing the Reds aren’t buying into is the messages of their coach Richard Graham.

“I always prefer to see the

coach stay rather than get sacked,” Martin insists.

“But if the players aren’t buying in and don’t believe what the coach is saying, you’re on a hiding to nothing.

“If you’re a good enough coach, you can turn the team around.”

So is Graham a good enough coach to resurrect the Reds?

“There is no evidence at the moment that he has what it takes to get the players to trust him and listen to him. They’re either not trusting him or listening to his messages.”

The QRU has made it clear that Graham is here to stay, for this season at least, meaning the search for answers must take its

inevitable turn to the Reds’ playing roster. But that’s one area the Reds don’t need to address according to Martin.

“I’ve got no doubt they’ve got the team on the field now to do the business. They have size in the forwards, talent in the midfield and a few top notch internationals.

“They have the rest of the season to save his job. They’ve got the cattle to finish eighth.

But Graham remains confident of achieving more, quoted on Friday night as saying his team were still a finals hope.

“He’s completely dreaming,” Martin says.

“That’s mission impossible. Eighth is a fairytale.”

Hogan expected to debut for Melbourne

MELBOURNE forward Jesse Hogan will headline a group of up to seven Demons debutants against Gold Coast on Saturday.

Coach Paul Roos this morning gave Hogan the green light to make his AFL debut in a new-look side - a third of which could contain fresh faces.

The 20-year-old is part of a huge influx of new talent to don the red and blue against the Suns at the MCG, with Heritier Lumumba and Jeff Garlett certain starters and first draft pick Angus Brayshaw and rookie Aaron vandenBerg pressing their cases.

“I can confirm that (Hogan will debut), provided he gets through training this week,” Roos said.

“Jesse’s done enough this pre-season and he played pretty consistently throughout the

three (NAB Challenge) games so we’d expect him to play this week.”

Roos also hinted key pair Bernie Vince and Jeremy Howe would be ready despite both battling hamstring complaints.

Vince performed well in a VFL practice match for Casey Scorpions on Saturday, while Howe was put through a solid training session on Friday. The pair trained well at Gosch’s Paddock today.

“I think it was important for Bernie to play (in the VFL) because he’s at a different stage. Howie’s been training for pretty much 10 weeks now,” Roos said.

“They both got through. Certainly, given their age and experience, they’ve given us food for thought going into this week.”

He said he was planning for Gary Ablett to make his return from a shoulder reconstruc-

tion, possibly spending more time closer to goal.

“You’d expect him to play, but you don’t know anyone’s medical department,” he said.

“But ... he can play deep forward as well and can obviously kick goals. He might play forward and a little bit less through the midfield. It’s hard to play big midfield minutes when you haven’t had a lot of game time, but he’s been around footy for a long time and generally has a bloke hanging onto him so he doesn’t have to worry too much about running defensively.”

Roos hoped the clash with the Suns would signify the start of a more attacking era at the Demons, with senior coachin-waiting Simon Goodwin instigating a more offensive approach.

“I think the balance is the thing we’re really looking for,” Roos said.

“I think we’ve done that pretty well over the three weeks. We haven’t got heavily scored against, we haven’t scored a lot but we’ve scored better than what we did last year.

BERNARD Tomic has been booed late in his third-round loss to Tomas Berdych at the Miami Open as he let slip a huge chance to upset the world No.9.

The Aussie star took the first set in a tiebreaker and led 4-0 in the second set but failed to convert any of his four match points before going down to the Czech.

Tomic appeared to struggle in the final stages as Berdych prevailed 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-1.

A small section of the

crowd booed Tomic, who wasn’t moving as freely late in the final set of the match that lasted two hours and 35 minutes.

Last week, wisdom tooth pain and a back injury forced Tomic to pull out of his quarterfinal clash with Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells.

Berdych has now won all four of his meetings against Tomic, including a fourth-round victory at the Australian Open in January. He will face Andy Murray in the fourth round.

Bellis ready for Williams

PRECOCIOUS amateur CiCi Bellis says she’s ready to take on the best of the pros - Serena Williams.

Bellis, a 15-year-old American who made a big splash at last year’s US Open, advanced at the Miami Open on Friday (Saturday AEDT) to a potential third-round match against Williams by beating Zarina Diyas 6-2 6-1.

Williams’ secondround match on Friday night against Monica Niculescu was postponed until Saturday because of rain.

But Bellis was already relishing the chance to take on the 19-time Grand Slam champion.

“It’s going to be really fun,” Bellis said.

“I have nothing to lose, so I’m just going to play my game and see what

happens.”

Bellis became the youngest player to win a match at the US Open since 1996 when she upset 12th-seeded Dominika Cibulkova last August. Suddenly a celebrity, Bellis then lost to Diyas in the second round.

Californian Bellis has yet to turn pro, and the Miami Open is her biggest tournament since the US Open. She made the draw as a wild card and played Friday on remote Court 9, but she’ll be on the stadium court on Sunday if she faces Williams, who has won Key Biscayne a record seven times.

Meanwhile, Sloane Stephens won an allAmerican match on the stadium court, converting five of six breakpoint.

James O’Connor was unable to lift the Reds to victory over the Lions

Jesse Hogan is part of a huge influx of new talent at Melbourne.

PICTURE: Getty Images

Records set at the cricket World Cup

IT was the World Cup that changed one-day international cricket forever.

Previously unreachable statistical barriers were shattered with regularity as fielding restrictions, two new balls, big bats, small boundaries and the pervasive influence of Twenty20 cricket emboldened batsmen like never before.

We look at 13 of the records broken over the course of the 2015 World Cup.

A whopping 12 more centuries were scored at this tournament than the previous edition.

Twenty four tons were raised on the tiny boundaries of the subcontinent at the 2011 World Cup, comfortably beating the previous mark of 21 set in 2003.

Win for Hughes

AN emotional Michael Clarke dedicated Australia’s World Cup victory to his “little brother and teammate”, the late Phillip Hughes. Clarke played an inspirational captain’s knock in his final one-day international match, hitting 74 to guide Australia to an emphatic win over New Zealand at the MCG.

Here’s what the Aussie skipper and several of his teammates had to say in the moments after sealing victory.

“You can see it’s (Clarke’s black arm band) got PH on it. I wear it every game I play for Australia. For everybody in Australian cricket it’s been a really though few months.

“I’m sure I don’t speak for myself, I’m sure everyone standing on this stage tonight will say we played this World Cup with 16 players and tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and our teammate Phillip Hughes.

Haddin hits back

That record had already been toppled during the pool stage in 2015.

By the time stumps were drawn in the final, an incredible 38 centuries had been scored.

The final game between Pakistan and Ireland not only determined the last of the quarter finalists — it also ensured that, for the first time ever, more than 20,000 runs were scored in the pool stage of a World Cup.

In the end, 23,531 runs were scored — a whopping 2,198 more than the previous highest total — at 32.91 and 5.65 runs per over across 48 matches.

In every one of those categories, a new record was set.

The highest RPO at a World Cup previously was 5.03 in India four years ago and the

highest cumulative batting average was 32.57 in India in 1987.

And the total run aggregate? The old record stood at 21,333 runs scored, remarkably, at both the last two World Cups. Each of those tournaments featured more games than the 2015 edition. Australia briefly flirted with posting the highest ODI total of all time, but settled for blasting the biggest ever innings score in World Cup competition.

Australia’s total of 6-417 against Afghanistan at the WACA Ground eclipsed the previous highest World Cup total — 5-413 scored by India against Bermuda in Trinidad eight years ago.

The 400-run barrier has only been broken 15 times in the 44-year history of one-day cricket. It has been

achieved three times at this tournament alone.

Glenn Maxwell improvises during Australia’s total of 417 against Afghanistan.

Australia’s margin of victory over Afghanistan — 275 runs — was the biggest in World Cup history.

Helped by David Warner’s 178, the highest score by an Aussie batsman at a World Cup, the Australians fell just short of posting the biggest win in ODI history.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s 143-run win over the West Indies in the quarter-final was the biggest in World Cup knockout history. No batsman in World Cup history had scored a double century prior to 2015.

Two batsmen accomplished the feat at this tournament.

Martin Guptill smashed an unbeaten 237 from 163 dur-

ing New Zealand’s record quarter-final win over the West Indies.

That bettered Chris Gayle’s record, set barely a month earlier, of 215 from 147 deliveries against Zimbabwe at Manuka Oval.

Gayle became the first nonIndian to post an ODI double century — Rohit Sharma (twice), Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar are the others on the list — and the first to do so outside of India.

AB de Villiers’ innings of 162* from 66 balls at the SCG was a knock for the ages. He required just 12 balls to advance from 100 to 150 against the hapless West Indian attack to complete a 64-ball 150 that bettered Shane Watson’s previous world record by a massive 19 deliveries.

New Zealand could have done better

FOUR Black Caps batsmen made ducks in Sunday’s World Cup final as the Kiwis were rolled for just 183 in 45 overs by a rampant Australian bowling attack. Here are some amazing facts to come out of the first innings at the MCG. In matches not against Australia, no New Zealand batsmen made a duck at this World Cup. But there were seven

scores of zero made by a Kiwi against Australia, with three coming in the group match at Eden Park and a further four at the MCG.

NZ skipper Brendon McCullum set the tone on Sunday by being dismissed for a globe by Starc in the first over on Sunday. He was joined in the duck club by Corey Anderson, former Western Australia wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi and young paceman Matt Henry.

Amazingly New Zealand’s four ducks isn’t the most in a World Cup final, with five England batsmen dismissed without scoring during the 1979 final against West Indies at Lord’s. There was a total of nine ducks in that match. And after aaron Finch’s blob to start Australia’s innings there were five for this game.

As if the pain of being dismissed so early in the biggest game of his career wasn’t enough, McCullum also has to now live with

being the only captain to be dismissed for a duck in a World Cup final.

However the Kiwi skipper has been inspirational as a leader and as a batsman throughout the tournament and can surely hold his head up high despite his disappointing showing on Sunday.

New Zealand can take some heart from its batting effort despite posting such a sub-par total.

It’s the equal-third lowest total in a World Cup final,

with Pakistan’s 133 against Australia in the 1999 decider and West Indies’ total of 140 against India in 1983 the only teams to score less runs in a final.

However the team that New Zealand now sits level with, India, made 183 in the same match that West Indies was bowled out for 140. The game may have changed a lot since then but at least the Kiwis can be told that a team can make 183 in a World Cup final and still win it.

UNDER FIRE and under the influence, Brad Haddin has shot back at the critics, saying the Kiwis deserved the berating he gave them in the Cricket World Cup final. Talking to Triple M’s The Grill Team on Sydney radio on Monday morning, the Australian wicketkeeper was in fine form as he addressed questions over his controversial sending off of New Zealand batsmen Martin Guptill and Grant Elliott in Sunday’s one-sided decider. Haddin also “painted a picture” of exactly what the celebrations have been like.

Triple M initially spoke to a composed Steve Smith, who had also had a sleepless night.

“We’re still going, actually. The boys are having a good time. We’ve seen the sun come up in Melbourne. It’s been an amazing 24 hours,” Smith said.

Starc shines

THE 2015 World Cup will be remembered as Mitchell Starc’s: 22 wickets at an average of 10, that will rank in the all-time great performances in the tournament’s history. Fittingly, it was Starc’s killer blow that won the final It was trademark Australia — go in hard early, as Starc dismissed of Brendon McCullum with the fifth ball of the innings.

But McCullum could have set himself a bit — even it was just five or six balls In Twenty20 cricket I was always prepared to burn 10 balls just to let adrenalin die down and your natural cricket instinct to take over.

There’s a lot that goes on before the first ball — especially for McCullum as captain.

He has to do the toss, interviews, get his pads on, make any last-minute adjustments.

Corey Anderson of New Zealand on the charge against the West Indies. SOURCE: Getty Images

CRICKET

Titans rookie plots Broncos’ demise

HAVING come through his NRL debut with a boyhood dream realised and a win against the Sharks, Titans halfback Kane Elgey has now set his sights on bringing to an end the three-game winning streak of the team he supported as a kid.

Growing up on the Gold Coast and playing his junior footy with Tugun, Elgey’s early NRL allegiances lay with the Broncos before the arrival of the Titans in 2007 gave him the opportunity to switch to the local team.

On Friday night the Titans host their more accomplished rivals from up the M1 in search of their first win at home for 2015 and with the added confidence that only a win – albeit a scrappy one – can bring.

The elevation to first grade has come earlier for the reigning under-20s player of the year than many had expected but he has vowed to showcase more of his skills if given the opportunity to play against Brisbane on Friday night.

“It’s a short turnaround and I guess it’s every kid’s dream to play the Broncos so for me, I hope I get the chance and hopefully the win on the weekend will turn the boys around,” said Elgey, who cites Broncos legend Darren Lockyer as his favourite alltime player.

“Growing up I always wanted to play the Broncos or play for them so the dream’s

Robinson, Falloon facing suspension

PARRAMATTA Eels winger

Reece Robinson and Gold Coast Titans hooker Beau Falloon are each set to miss at least two games after both men were charged with dangerous throws by the Match Review Committee yesterday.

Robinson, who was slapped with a grade two dangerous throw charge for his tackle on Joel Reddy in the 71st minute of the Eels’ win over the Rabbitohs on Friday night, will miss two weeks with an early guilty plea. However if Parramatta choose to challenge the charge and lose Robinson would miss three games.

A grade one dangerous throw charge will also see Beau Falloon spend two weeks on the sideline, regardless of his plea.

Cited for his tackle on Sharks rookie Jack Bird in the Titans’ first win of the season on Saturday night, Falloon would have only been looking at one week on the sideline if not for 87 carryover points accrued from a similar charge in the past two years.

here and hopefully I get to play on Friday night and get the two points.

“I was with the Titans when I was 15 so I’ve been here for a while and it’s every kid’s dream to play on a Friday night on Channel Nine so hopefully I get selected and I’ll be overwhelmed if I get the chance.

“I’ll definitely be a bit more confident. I was holding back a bit and trying to get into the game but I know what to expect now.

“The boys believe in me so

I guess I’ve just got to believe in myself.”

Sensing an opportunity to put the new kid under pressure as both teams eyed their first win of the season, the Sharks hammered away at the Titans’ left-edge defence where Elgey was defending in the early stages of the game on Saturday. Against the Broncos Elgey will have to contend with the likes of Matt Gillett and Sam Thaiday charging at him and he knows it is an area of his game that he needs to work

Knights ready to unleash

obviously and he’s looking forward to it.”

hard on to maintain a place in the NRL team.

“I did what I had to do. It was my first game of first grade and I thought I held my own a bit I guess,” said the 21-year-old, who made 17 tackles but missed a teamhigh four tackles.

“Defensively maybe I missed a few so I’ll try and fix that on the training paddock and hopefully I get a go on Friday night against the Broncos.

“I’m not going to lie, it was [an eye-opener] and the

speed of the game was just enormous. Them coming down my side made it a bit worse.

“I wasn’t used to the speed but they came down my side the first 20 minutes pretty strong so I got into the game early which was probably the best thing for me.

“I sort of know what to expect now. Going into that first game I sort of wasn’t sure what to expect so that will build my confidence and I’m excited [to play on Friday].”

Parramatta’s Brad Takairangi, Bulldog David Klemmer and Manly duo Dunamis Lui and Jake Trbojevic were all charged with grade one dangerous throws but will escape suspension with early guilty pleas.

Wests Tigers centre Chris Lawrence and Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson (both dangerous contact charges) and Darcy Lussick (careless high tackle) will also escape suspension with early guilty pleas.Robinson, Falloon facing suspension

Alex McKinnon Cup launched

THE undefeated Knights are set to unleash major signing Tariq Sims this weekend against the Dragons, with Newcastle coach Rick Stone confirming the former Cowboys back-rower will play on Saturday night.

Suspended for five matches for a shoulder charge on Broncos captain Justin Hodges in the Cowboys’ qualifying final win last year, Sims’ return is a timely one as fellow back-rower Robbie Rochow looks destined to be missing significant game time with a back injury.

“[Tariq will] squeeze in somewhere. He’s trained really hard in his time off,” Stone said following Newcastle’s 26-14 win over Penrith last weekend.

“He’s been a great addition to our squad and what he has brought into the pre-season and training has been great.

“He’s been patient. He had to be. He’s had four games off and I don’t think he would’ve thought the team would be 4-0 when he got back but he’s marked down next weekend

With Sims – who averaged 102.2 metres and 31.3 tackles for the Cowboys last season – set to add to his 71 NRL games against St George Illawarra, his new teammates are excited at the prospect of playing alongside the 25-year-old wrecking ball.

Knights centre Dane Gagai, who played with Sims in the Broncos’ under-20s system, said Sims was “stinging to play” for the Knights for the first time.

“It has been tough for him sitting on the sidelines so I’m sure he’s going to come out firing and it’s going to be exciting to see what he does,” Gagai told NRL.com.

“He’s adapted to Newcastle very quickly and he bought into what ‘Stoney’ wanted to do with the team very quickly and I guess everyone has and that’s why we have all our wins.

“He’s raring to go even when he isn’t playing so this weekend will be exciting.”

Having emerged as one of the club’s leaders alongside Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith and captain Kurt Gidley,

Sims’ attitude on the training paddock will only be beneficial for Newcastle according to Gagai.

“He has a big personality and it’s great to have him around the club. He backs up his big personality though at training and he’s one of those players who you love to play with,” Gagai said.

“It was obviously his first pre-season at the club this year but the way he has been training, it was like he’s been here for years. He’s definitely one of the senior players now and it’ll be good to have his impact in the middle of the field.”

Chris Houston is another who has seen the benefits of Sims’ presence at training.

One of Newcastle’s veterans himself, Houston said Sims’ time in North Queensland has set him up for big things in Knights colours.

“He’s been around some great senior players up there in North Queensland with Matt Scott and Johnathan Thurston and it’s easy to see he’s picked up some traits from those guys and he’ll be and has been a leader for us certainly,” Houston said.

THE Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons will play for the inaugural Alex McKinnon Cup this Easter Saturday at Hunter Stadium.

McKinnon made his NRL debut at the Dragons in 2011 and went on to play three games before joining the Knights in 2012, where he played 46 first grade games.

“I obviously spent a lot of time at the Dragons and cherish my time down there, I also really cherish my time playing first grade at the Knights,” McKinnon said.

“To see the game this weekend where my mates are playing on both sides, I am really looking forward to being there.

“It is a privilege to have a Cup named after myself and for the two clubs to be playing for it this weekend.”

The Alex McKinnon Cup will be an annual event and played for on the first occasion the two sides meet in a season.

“The Alex McKinnon Cup is a fitting way to recognise Alex’s contribution to both

Clubs and will certainly add a special significance to not only this Saturday’s game, but future encounters between the Knights and Dragons,” Knights CEO Matt Gidley said.

The Alex McKinnon Cup is an initiative of the two clubs the 23-year-old played for.

“The Dragons are proud to be working with the Newcastle Knights in the formation of such an appropriate initiative,” Dragons CEO Peter Doust said.

“Alex is a remarkable individual who has always had a close relationship with both our players and our Club.”

McKinnon, who will be in attendance at Saturday’s match, looks forward to seeing the winning team receive the Alex McKinnon Cup for the very first time.

“I watch a bit of footy but I definitely make sure I watch the Knights and the Dragons each weekend because a lot of my mates are playing,” McKinnon added.

Alex McKinnon with the cup.

TITANS rookie halfback Kane Elgey has set his sight on bringing the Broncos down.

Eka set to lead team

BY PETER SEVARA JR. TOUCH FOOTY

TOUCH footy dynamite, Eugene Eka aims high for 2015 Pacific Games.

Hailing from Kukipi and Isapeape in the Gulf Province, he is not the only one in the family vying for a Pacific Games appearance. His younger sibling, Margaret is also vying for a spot in the PNG Pepe’s team.

The 25 year old is a regular face at the Corporate Touch Port Moresby (CTPM) competition and has a number of representative level experiences giving him the edge to lead the PNG Men’s Open touch team.

Eka represented CTPM in a number of national championships.

The first was in 2010 in Kokopo which CTPM lost to Oro touch.

The second one was in 2011 in Port Moresby which CTPM beat Central. In 2012, Eka represented southern region in Lae to play in the

regional championships in which Southern region won.

In 2013, Eka as CTPM captain, led the team to Goroka, where they won and he was named the player of the tournament.

“Internationally, I represented PNG four times, first was in 2012 in Brisbane when we beat the Australian Indigenous Team. Second was in 2013 trip to Coffs harbor for the X-Blades National Touch League. The third one I led as Captain for the PNG Men’s team to the Queensland Touch Championships on the Gold Coast and the fourth trip was last year at to Coffs Harbor, Sydney Australia” he said.

Eka like many kids began playing touch in the suburbs of Kaugere and Sabama with the dream to represent PNG.

“Most of the boys and family on the street play touch footy and had at least a family member who represented PNG except for my family so when I was eligible to play in the town competition, I told myself I will work hard to represent my family and my

country in touch one day”

Nine years later, since he began playing touch in 2006, Eka has been named in an elite team to visit Coffs Harbor again and earn a contention to represent Team PNG touch footy on home soil.

“I hope to captain my country in the 2015 Pacific Games and win in front of the home crowd and my family and everyone that have supported me and stood by me” Eka said.

When the 177cm and 80kg lad was asked if there was any sibling rivalry with netball sister, Margaret he said.

“I am first born and Maggie is third but she looks bigger than me. We don’t bully each other. She stands by me and she respects me a lot and listens to me and I respect her too....You know you have to earn respect by giving respect.”

If anything goes, the stylish ball player is expected to lead with the eyes of coaches, trainers and fellow players locked onto his trusty shoulders.

Mites thrash Defence

BY FRANKIY KAPIN RUGBY LEAGUE

SAGOTHORN Mites are the kings of Morobe Rugby Union 7s in 2015 making it six in a row as the Anitua Sevens (7s) series ended last Sunday in Lae. Mites have made it to the cup finals for the past six weekends in the Bmobile-Vodafone and Seeto Kui supported competition with prize money of K1, 000 every weekend.

And last Sunday to resound their dominance, Mites wizard Jack Bueng repeated his stint to score under the post for the 17-15 defeat of arch rivals, the Defence team two.

And as the odds seem to stand neck to neck between Sagothorns and Defence having won each of the two encounters in the cup grand final, it is the Mites that stand taller having won four of the six cup finals.

As the whistled reverberated the cup final kick off, both teams put up a classic game skills and endurance projection for a five

(5) all affair in the first half.

But it was Andy Tawa of Defence who secured his side’s first five points and at the receiving hand of the equalizer from Mites Elias Patala combining with Robin Loma and Beno Palasip.

Both conversions failed.

The first five minutes of the second half transpired on a deadlock scoreless affair despite numerous opportunities gone begging.

It was Defence playmaker Isaac Chandrol who spun the dice taking the lead to 12 points after successfully converting his own try. Mites regroup and returned with a 50 meter unconverted run away try to the lanky John Rollie. And with two minutes on the clock the Mites of Papuan Compound reaffirmed their 7s series dominance by scoring their third (3) try from Jack Bueng and converted by Palasip to shield the game at 17-12 after fulltime.

Pirates 26 defeated Defence one (1) 19 for the plate and Speedway Rookies were blinded by the Telikom City Lights winning 30-nil in the bowl final. Games

Muruks win first trial

BY KEVIN TEME RUGBY LEAGUE

coordinator Hirake Lokora said the 2015 Anitua series dug out so many talents and skilled youngsters with representative ambitions.

Lokora extended the gratitude to former representative players for their support throughout the tournament including Aiem Pilakos, Warren Teno, Winston Nenjipa, Elias labi, Philemon Hula, Jeff lung, and others.

Lokora thanked major sponsor “Anitua Hardware” for sponsoring the six weekends with a price money of K1000.00 totaling K6,000 as well co-sponsors Seeto Kui group of company & BmobileVodafone for the sim cards and official’s uniforms.

“Apart from existing clubs we had a team from Markharm (Sagasec), a team from Speedway (Rookies), Ten City (City light), China Town( Leatherbacks) Butibum ( Mantis) , Hunter(Rebels) and even Labu village ( Huon Backs Steel) who have taken part in the tournament deserving commendations,” said Lokora.

Saints wallop Flames

BY KEVIN TEME BASKETBALL

MARY Elavo’s control and composer helped Nibroo Saints to outplay KSS Southern Flames in the Port Moresby Women’s Basketball League grand final played at Hohola courts on Sunday.

Saints dominated by all the current national players were given a test by Flames but it was Elavo’s control in play that helped Saints to beat Flames 84-67.

Flames started in well leading the first quarter leading 14-12 but couldn’t hold on as the Veitu Diro coached Saints worked harder

in the second, third and fourth quarter to overpower Flames.

Flames had themselves to blame as they could not hold onto the pressure mounted on the more determined Saints.

Saints ran away in the second quarter leading 27-17 and proved they were still the champion of the PWBL when overpowering Flames in all departments.

A strong effort by Flames in the third quarter led by captain Emily Koivi, Betty Wong, Joy Wemin and Penpen Vege was enough to take over Saints leading 18-16 however that was only short lived when the Erick Elai coached side were foul troubled

in the last quarter.

Rising star and Flames play maker Betty Wong was the first to go off the court after being fouled troubled with five personal foul. Saints capitalize well adding more points through Julie-Anne Diro, Elavo and Marca Muri to give a commanding lead.

“ We could have hold them on but we lost control in the last quarter when Wong was foul troubled and Saints blew us off,” Flames head coach Erick Elai said.

Elavo in particular was in devastating form controlling the game and with strong show from Diro, Angula and Marca.

PETROLEUM Resource

Kutubu Mendi Muruks is showing positive sign for this year’s Digicel Cup challenge when they beat Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles 22-16 on Sunday.

Muruks team manager Wale Molsie said today that Muruks are rebuilding well at the home call the ‘Muruks nest’ built at the Kiburu Lodge in Mendi.

Kiburu Lodge as part of the minor sponsors of Muruks team since its return back home from Lae has given its land to Muruks to build their accommodation on.

It is believed the accommodation which will house their gym facilities worth a substantial amount of money will now help Muruks to prepare well for its home and away games for this year’s Digicel Cup competi-

The boys have been preparing well

MOLSIE

tion.

Molsie said the boys have been preparing well at our home called the ‘Muruks nest’ and have performed exceptionally well so far with the first trial win.”

Muruks despite moving into the camp late, were able to prove critics wrong when they made the PNG National Digicel nines cup grand final and lost to Lae Snax Tigers in a closely contested battle.

Molsie also confirmed that the management had terminated the contract of some players last year due to discipline but have also maintained the bulk of the players with some

new faces into the side this year.

“We have a total of 25 players looking after them in the Muruks nest at Kiburu and we are happy with the progress o f the new players that have joined the camp,” Molsie said. Some of the new faces that were included into this year’s Muruks team are Gene Markham from Nipa Snipers who was scouted from the Coca Cola Ipatas Cup, Daniel Tapol from Enga Mioks who has made his return to his homeland in Mendi and will play for the Muruks while Sionie Mokon from Popodentta also joins a list of some promising young players.

Moslie also confirmed that another trial run against the Waghi Tumbe this weekend in Minj should put his side on a good note before the competition resume on the 19th of April this year.

EUGENE Eka during a trial earlier this month.

Picture: KENNEDY BANI.

WALE

Port Moresby

Chan supports martial arts

Muruks win first trial

BY KEVIN TEME RUGBY LEAGUE PETROLEUM

Resource

Kutubu Mendi Muruks is showing positive sign for this year’s Digicel Cup challenge when they beat Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles 22-16 on Sunday.

Muruks team manager Wale Molsie said today that Muruks are rebuilding well at the home call the ‘Muruks nest’ built at the Kiburu Lodge in Mendi. Kiburu Lodge as part of the minor sponsors of Muruks team since its return back home from Lae has given its land to Muruks to build their accommodation on. It is believed the accommodation which will house their gym facilities worth a substantial amount of money will now help Muruks to prepare well for its home and away games for this year’s Digicel Cup competition.

Molsie said, “the boys have been preparing well at our home called the ‘Muruks nest’ and have performed exceptionally well so far with the first trial win.”

BY TERENI KENS MARTIAL ARTS

HANDLING political pressure at the local, national and international level for nearly three terms as a politician is like fighting in a martial arts sport.

One has to have among others the qualities of self-discipline, ever-improving technique, versatile, patience and stamina, a sense of progression, confidence and humility in order to achieve a goal in life. These are the words of a renowned martial arts instructor and three black belts holder cum politician, Byron Chan; “Martial arts is all about personal development.”

As he puts it: “If you want

to win in a combat sport, discipline is the cornerstone of a successful martial arts training regimen.”

“Resilience is my number one quality. Resilience, especially the dimension of mental toughness, is what gets you through when external circumstances conspire and you are hit with more than you can handle,” Chan told eight of his fighters during a recent Shotokan Karate intensive training in preparation for an upcoming twoday martial arts tournament that would be stage in Port Moresby in May.

His tough and insightful mentoring in a combat sport like this comes from a wealth of experience as a dedicated martial artist with over 25

years’ experience in the form of Kung Fu, Tong Kundo, Tong Long Kundo and various Karate fields of Shotokan, Jiujitsu, Kyokushin and Judo.

“I also had the opportunity to represent the country in martial arts in my heydays back in the 1990’s at the world title fights at the Konisi Rabukai Karate that was held in Brisbane, Australia and the Brisbane Titles in the same year as well,” Chan recalled in his mentoring session.

“Also I fought against two Australian World Champions, one in Shotokan Karate and the other was Russian Kyokushin Champion including Stanley Nandex as well. I continue to love the sport till today.” Having had closer association with martial arts

before becoming the Member of Parliament, Chan remains very enthusiastic martial artist. Similarly, politics is like fighting in a combat sport, Chan says, “the good and desirable traits learnt over the years in martial arts blends in very well with my political career.” “For the last two terms and including this term as Member for Namatanai and Minister for Mining, I have continued to maintain my full support for martial artists both within my electorate and outside of the province as well. This includes promoting all codes of martial arts such as Karate, Taekwondo and Kung Fu at the LLG, district, provincial and national level. “I’ve also supported martial artists

outside of my electorate. I’ve seen a lot of division winners; national champions that have come out of my district in the likes of Steven Tomi.”

One example of his unwavering support to martial arts which he attributed was during the 2014 PNG Games held in Lae, Morobe province where team New Ireland dominated gold in martial arts.

And with the buildup of excitement towards the May martial arts tournament, Chan with his eight Shotokan Karate fighters are currently hard at training.

Meanwhile, as the head of Traditional Karate Union (TKU) in PNG, Chan is anticipating to host a martial arts tournament in Port Moresby towards the end of the year.

Muruks despite moving into the camp late, they were able to prove critics wrong when they made the PNG National Digicel nines cup grand final and lost to Lae Snax Tigers in a closely contested battle and that confident has grown well with another win in their first trial match held at the Rabiamul oval in Mt Hagen on Sunday.

Molsie also confirmed that the management had terminated the contract of some players last year due to discipline but have also maintained the bulk of the players with some new faces into the side this year.

“We have a total of 25 players looking after them in the Muruks nest at Kiburu and we are happy with the progress of the new players that have joined the camp,” Molsie said. Some of the new faces that were included into this year’s Muruks team are Gene Markham from Nipa Snipers who was scouted from the Coca Cola Ipatas Cup.

Waghi Tumbe confirmed for cup

BY KEVIN TEME RUGBY LEAGUE

JIWAKA Province will now have its own provincial team taking part in this year’s National rugby league competition, the Digicel Cup competition which is set to kick off on April 19.

Tumbe’s expression of interest to be part of this year’s Digicel Cup competition was successful after PNGNRL board went for an inspection at the home venue in Minj last week.

PNGNRL chairman Sudhir Guru when asked about the response from the two interested intercity teams from Central and Jiwaka said, “Yes, the Waghi Tumbes are in for the challenge. They have met the requirements and are in while Central Roosters have missed out.” Guru confirmed last week that the Tumbes are in for this year’s Digicel Cup challenge af-

ter successfully meeting certain requirements set by the PNGNRL board early in the year.

Newly appointed PNGNRL administrator, Peter Watinga praised Tumbe for a well presented document and promising home venue for the Tumbe for this year’s competition. “ Definitely the home ground of Tumbes will be one of the best venue to host Digicel Cup competition this year and I am sure the people of Jiwaka Province will come numbers to support their home team when they hosts

some Digicel Cup game this year,” Watinga said.

Jiwaka provincial government is also behind Tumbe’s re-entry and with the successful bid which was accepted, the Jiwaka people will now witness the rebirth of their only semi professional rugby league team getting back on the paddock at the Minz rugby league oval.

Guru could not respond to why Roosters were left out however it is believed the Central franchise didn’t met some of the requirements set by the board.

Watinga when asked about the Roosters’ bid said, “Roosters had the potential but didn’t present it to the expectations of the board. They didn’t meet some of the requirements the PNGNRL board set so they missed out for this year.”

Watinga has now confirmed that there will be eleven teams competing in this year’s competition.

BRYRON Chan (middle) with Martial arts fighters.

The homeground for the Tumbe’s this year will one of the best venues

PETER WATINGA Port Moresby

Pacific Games history Telikom supports women soccer team

XV PACIFIC GAMES

NOT many people in PNG know the background to South Pacific Games and the reason why it was organised in the first place.

This article will give a brief account of the history of the South Pacific Games (now the Pacific Games) from its early conception. In 1947 it was the wish of the South Pacific Commission: “To create bonds of kindred and friendship in the Region” and years later in 1957 during the 4th South Pacific Commission meeting in Rabaul, PNG that the idea of organising sports amongst the South Pacific countries and territories were developed.

Two men, Peter Issamatro from New Caledonia and Dr Sahun Khan from Fiji were particularly involved with the establishment of this regional sport competition for the island nations and territories to be held every three years was officially recommended for adoption by the South Pacific Commission.

A preparatory meeting was held in Noumea, New Caledonia from 9th – 15th March 1961 which was attended by sports representatives from twenty countries and territories. The Territory

of Papua and New Guinea was represented by Fred Kaad. During this meeting the creation of the Games was approved. All the countries in the region would participate apart from Australia and New Zealand whose participation in the Olympic Games would not provide positive results for the new regional Games.

With the Charter and Council in place the venue for the first regional Games was to be decided on. In 1963 with Fiji having the best sporting facilities, Fiji was given the honour to host the first regional Games. On 29th August 1963, 745 athletes and officials paraded on the athletic tracks at Buckhurst Park.

The Games lasted until 7th September. For the first time in this part of the globe, 13 countries participated in this first major regional event, called the South Pacific Games.

The closing ceremony was the occasion for athletes from the different countries to come together and celebrate the success of the first South Pacific Games and to confirm with certainty that the staging of the second South Pacific Games would be hosted by the French Territory of New Caledonia in 1966.

Pacific Games Relay in Vanimo

XV PACIFIC GAMES

THE Oil Search Pacific Games Relay travelled its first 1,000 km to Vanimo and was met by a very excited Deputy Governor, Paul Negai and his provincial government representatives at the airport on Sunday. The Deputy Governor gave a warm message of welcome and expressed his gratitude that West Sepik was recognised with the honour of being first province on the relay journey.

The town came out to follow the relay as it was run through Vanimo by many of the Games sponsors. BSP (official sponsor) branch manager, Karen George, explained how important it was that the rural branches got to take part in their bit of the Pacific Games.

The staff of the branch ran with their families chanting all the way, led by their security manager John Mobiha.

New venue for sailing

SAILING

THE sport of sailing has been told to find an alternative venue for sailing after the original venue at Gabutu could not meet the required international standards to stage the event for the Pacific Games.

The Venue, Infrastructure and Equipment Committee (VIEC) has advised that Gabutu does not meet number of international Federation requirements. In 2012, VIEC investigated legacy venues for sailing in Port Moresby however, the outcome of the investigation indicated that Gabutu being the venue elected for sailing.

The International Federation Technical Delegate visited the venue to identify number of key elements to ensure Gabutu met the requirements for sailing. But when the delegates revisited the venue earlier this year they were advised by VIEC that a number of international federation requirements could not be met.

This has prompted the Games organising Committee (GOC) no option but to seek an alternative venue for Sailing. Chief Executive Officer of Games Organising Committee Peter Stewart said, “GOC is confident that given the wonderful sailing conditions in Port Moresby, an alternative venue will be available for the Games.”

PNGRFL yet to name

By KEVIN TEME RUGBY UNION

THE Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has yet to name its nines team for the Pacific Games that will begin on July 4th this year.

It is known that the PNGRFL has submitted the names of players to the Pacific Games Council (GOC) for approval before the names are announced.

Acting Chief Executive officer Shane Morris said the announcement of the players’ name was pending GOC approval.

“Players have been indentified during the Digicel National nines tournament this year and lists of the selected names are now with the GOC for approval before PNGRFL can

officially announce them,” Morris said.

While Morris could not be specific on player selection process, it is believed that the players will come from Digicel national 9s tournament, SP PNG Hunters, as well as players that took part in the Cabramata nines tournament in Sydney early this year.

Meanwhile PNG will be the first country in the Pacific to have hosted the first rugby league 9s tournament which is now included into the Pacific Games’ charter.

The idea is believed to evolve around the Cabramatta 9s tournament as well as the Auckland rugby league 9 tournaments where Pacific Island countries are invited.

Vanimo town was resplendent in colourful welcome banners and the Vanimo Primary School created their own welcome banner also.

The day was a picture perfect tropical day with an azure sea lapping against the white sandy beach, just across the road from the school. Runners from the school and the Vanimo Hospital ran the baton down the beach road and along the beach. School teacher, Rose Koni, described the day as “a great day for Vanimo.”

The baton was welcomed to the Vanimo (Forward Operations) Barracks with soldiers letting off dramatic purple smoke grenades. Their formation run was then passed over to the provincial Police Commander Robin Gesa and some of his troops for the final leg.

Pacific Games Relay yesterday travelled to inner West Sepik aiming for the Star Mountains and Frieda River.

TELIKOM CEO Michael Donnelly said: “Our network is entirely digital, extensive and well established with combination of microwave radio, satellite and intra-city optical fiber transmission systems that connect to a nationwide network through telephone exchanges and data switches while linking PNG worldwide with it Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) system and submarine cables.

“Overall we will deliver the technology and IT services that is required to host the world cup event.”

Telikom has continuously associated itself with soccer (football) in the country.

“We have supported the semi-pro competition the Telikom National Soccer League for almost decade including other amateur clubs in past years.

“We are proud to be part of this growing sport and help to grow it so that our people can enjoy the games

“The essence of Telikom’s support for the World Cup is for the people of Papua New Guinea and our consumers.

“I thank PNG Football Association president and the National Government for their efforts in bringing this world event to PNG.

The acquisition of Datec PNG Limited and the acquisition of Media Niugini Ltd (MNL) have strengthen Telikom, in the transformation of Telikom’s current business model from a predominantly fixed line voice and data operator to a merged entity offering wider products and services in line with industry trends around the world.

SOUTH Pacific Games Flag bearers in 1963.

PACIFIC Games baton relay in Vanimo.

SOCCER action between the PNG Under-23 team and their Solomon Islands opponents yesterday. Right: The PNG team lines up for a photo shoot before taking the field against the Solomons boys. The PNG men drew 1-1 in their fi rst match but rose to the occasion in the second trial match on Sunday. Pictures courtesy of Jeremy Masalo and Khaliyd Zahiyd.

Telikom pledges

TELIKOM PNG Limited is ready to support the historic hosting of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup next year in Papua New Guinea.

Telikom was instrumental in supporting the PNG Football Association and the National Government bid to host the event.

Telikom chief executive officer

Michael Donnelly, while acknowledging PNG’s historic achievement on the world stage, reaffirmed Telikom’s full support in helping providing telecommunication services for the event.

“This is a big moment for Papua New Guinea and its people. This will be a big moment for Telikom

too because we will be part of this historic hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup event,” Donnelly said. Telikom will provide communication, IT and internet services during the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Donnelly said.

CONTINUED PAGE 47

Telco to suppor t , elco to support, help FIFA U -20 help FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup omen’s World